GENERAL NEWS Biometric verification mandatory for Hajj Pilgrims: Spokesman MoRA Fingerprints have been made mandatory for intending pilgrims as per instructions of the Saudi government. According to Ministry of Religious Affairs, the biometric facility will be provided free of charge at Etimad Centers. People below six years of age and above 80 will be exempted from biometrics. The intending pilgrims will not be able to proceed to Hajj without biometrics. The schedule of biometrics will be intimated via SMS. Information about schedule can also be obtained from Ministry of Religious Affairs website.