Visa Issuance Starts For Hajj 2024 In Saudi Arabia

Riyadh – A significant announcement has marked the beginning of the annual pilgrimage, as Saudi authorities initiate the visa issuance process for Hajj pilgrims. The kingdom has revealed plans to welcome over 1.2 million pilgrims, and the visa issuance commenced on Friday.

A dedicated committee in Saudi Arabia overseeing pilgrim accommodation arrangements in Makkah has approved 1,860 buildings to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season. Scheduled from Friday, June 14, to Wednesday, June 19, this Hajj holds particular importance as the number of pilgrims is anticipated to be nearly equal to pre-pandemic levels.

Read more: Passport Offices Open Weekends For Hajj Pilgrims

Saudi Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah has provided details about the visa issuance timeline, indicating that visas will be available from March 1, with the process extending until the 20th of Shawwal, corresponding to April 29. Pilgrim arrivals are set to begin on the first of Zul Qad, corresponding to May 9.

Several countries, including Pakistan, have finalized Hajj agreements with the Saudi government to ensure smooth arrangements. In Pakistan, authorities have introduced a Short Hajj package for pilgrims, and the Sponsorship Scheme remains valid for this year.

For the Long Hajj package, spanning 38-42 days with an 8-day stay in Medinah, those flying from the South region (Karachi and Sukkur) will pay Rs 10,65,000, while those from other cities (Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad) will pay Rs 10,75,000.

Sponsorship scheme applicants will incur a cost of $3765 for the South Region and $3800 for the North Region for the Long Hajj package.

The Short Hajj package costs Rs 11,40,000 for regular applicants from the South region and Rs 11,50,000 for the North region, lasting for 20-25 days.

For the Sponsorship Scheme, the Short Hajj cost is $4015 USD for the South region and $4050 for the North region.