According to sources, the official Hajj scheme has received over 26,000 applications through designated banks as of March 22. The number of applicants seeking dollars from abroad under the sponsorship scheme has also increased to over 2,000.
To facilitate the feedback of Hajj applicants, further instructions have been issued to banks. Overseas Pakistanis can submit a medical fitness certificate issued from abroad in the bank. In case of difficulty, they can submit a plain page affidavit in the bank declaring their health.
Before departing for Hajj, a medical fitness certificate from Pakistan must be obtained and submitted to the bank. Applicants can submit the application after receiving the first dose of the approved vaccine and the certificate must be submitted to the bank after applying the full dose.
In addition to NADRA, foreign vaccine certificates will also be accepted. Designated banks will also receive Hajj applications on March 25 and 26.
It is not necessary for the person sending the sponsorship to have a blood relationship with the Hajj pilgrim, but it is necessary to send the pilgrim's name, identity card, contact number, and money.
For convenience, the Easy account limit has been increased from 10 lakhs to 15 lakhs. Pilgrims will have to purchase the Qurbani coupon themselves in Saudi Arabia, and the Pakistan Hajj Mission will guide them on how to do so. The amount of the sacrifice coupon can range from 700 to 1,000 riyals.
Regular scheme overseas applicants can submit their Hajj applications through a nominated person in Pakistan. In order to receive possible savings in the package, it will be necessary to open a bank account after reaching Pakistan.
It is important to note that Hajj applications will only be processed through designated banks. With the deadline approaching, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Pakistan has been sending around 179,210 pilgrims to Hajj each year. The number of applications received each year varies, as the Saudi Arabian government sets a quota for each country based on their Muslim population.
Here is the number of Pakistani pilgrims who performed Hajj in recent years:
2022: 140,007
2019: 184,210
2018: 179,210
2017: 179,210
2016: 143,368
2015: 143,368
2014: 143,368
It's important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the number of pilgrims performing Hajj in recent years. The Saudi Arabian government significantly reduced the number of pilgrims allowed to perform Hajj in 2020 and 2021 to prevent the spread of the virus.
