ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Intending Hajj pilgrims have until today (Sunday, February 8) to complete biometric verification through the Saudi Visa Bio app, otherwise they will not be issued visas, the Saudi Ministry of Religious Affairs has said.
A spokesperson said pilgrims can complete fingerprint verification from home using the mobile application to avoid hassle and crowds. He advised them to keep the confirmation email safe after completing the process.
The spokesperson said Tasheer centres will also remain open from 9am to 5pm on Sunday as well to facilitate pilgrims.
Tasheer centres are the official visa facilitation providers for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These centres handle administrative tasks for various Saudi visa types, including Umrah, Family Visit, Work, and Business visas.
Pilgrims over 80 years of age are exempt from biometric verification, the spokesperson added.
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that the kingdom will start issuing Hajj visas to intending pilgrims worldwide from February 8.
According to Saudi Gazette, the early launch is part of an accelerated timeline designed to enhance service readiness and ensure the comfort of pilgrims approximately four months ahead of the rituals, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
750,000 pilgrims have registered so far, with packages booked for 30,000 pilgrims directly from their home countries, it added.
The ministry further said that approximately 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, and 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual arrangements.
In Pakistan, registration has been completed for 119,000 government pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf confirmed.
He said Hajj preparations were underway keeping in view the Saudi timeline. He said arrangements for food, transportation and other services were finalised through a competitive process.
