Pakistan urges pilgrims to complete Saudi biometrics

Islamabad – (Web Desk) -Pakistan’s government on Friday urged intending pilgrims to complete the mandatory Saudi biometric verification required for Hajj visas, as preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage accelerate amid tighter monitoring of the process.

The appeal comes a day after Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf announced stricter regulations for private Hajj operators, including a reduced quota. The move followed widespread complaints last year, when tens of thousands of pilgrims were unable to travel under the private Hajj scheme.

In a statement, the Ministry of Religious Affairs emphasized that Saudi biometric verification is compulsory for obtaining a Hajj visa and advised pilgrims to complete the process without delay to avoid any complications.

The ministry also encouraged pilgrims to carry out their biometric verification from home using the “Saudi Visa Bio” mobile application at the earliest possible time.

The statement said the pilgrims who were unable to complete biometric verification through the mobile application should visit designated Saudi Tasheer centers before Feb. 8, adding that details of the centers were available on Pakistan’s official Hajj mobile application.

Pakistan has been steadily implementing digital and procedural requirements for pilgrims ahead of Hajj 2026, including mandatory training sessions, biometric checks and greater use of mobile applications, as part of efforts to reduce mismanagement.

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Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026, with the majority of seats reserved under the government scheme and the remainder allocated to private tour operators.