RIYADH – In a significant announcement heralding the commencement of the annual pilgrimage, Saudi authorities have started the issuance of visas for the Hajj pilgrims.
The kingdom has also announced plans to welcome more than 1.2 million pilgrims and the visa issuance process has started from Friday.
A dedicated Saudi committee overseeing pilgrim accommodation arrangements in the holy city of Makkah has already sanctioned a total of 1,860 buildings to cater to the influx of pilgrims expected during the upcoming Hajj season.
Scheduled to be held between Friday, June 14, and Wednesday, June 19, this year’s Hajj is important considering that the number of pilgrims would be nearly equal to the pre-pandemic era.
Saudi Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah has also outlined the visa issuance timeline, highlighting that visas would be made available from March 1, with the process extending until the 20th of Shawwal, corresponding to April 29.
As far as the arrival of pilgrims is concerned, it is scheduled to commence on the first of Zul Qad, corresponding to May 9, setting the stage for the influx of faithful adherents.
Different countries have signed the Hajj agreements with the government of Saudi Arabia already to finalize the arrangements including Pakistan.
The authorities in Pakistan have also introduced the Short Hajj package for the pilgrims while the Sponsorship Scheme is also valid for this year.
As far as the Long Hajj is concerned, it would encompass 38-42 days with 8 days stay in Medinah and those flying from the South region i.e. Karachi, and Sukkhur would have to pay Rs 10,65,000 while those from other cities i.e. Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad would pay Rs 10,75,000.
For Sponsorship scheme applicants, the cost is $3765 for the South Region while it is $ 3800 for the North Region for those opting for the Long Hajj package.
For the Short Hajj package, the cost for regular Hajj applicants is Rs 11,40,000 for the South region while the cost is Rs 11,50,000 for the North region; the Hajj would continue for 20-25 days under this scheme.
For the Sponsorship Scheme, the cost for Short Hajj is $ 4015 USD for the South region and $ 4050 for the North region.
