RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially announced the final dates for Umrah visas and the departure of pilgrims. According to the Ministry, the last day for issuing Umrah visas will be the first day of Shawwal, and pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia before 15 Shawwal.
The Ministry established that Umrah pilgrims need to depart from the Kingdom before the first day of Dhul-Qi’dah.
The Ministry conducted its 17th online meeting with Saudi Umrah companies to explain to company representatives why they must follow existing rules about Umrah and Hajj operations. The Hajj pilgrimage requires a Hajj visa while an Umrah visa does not permit Hajj travel.
The preparations for Hajj 2026 are also moving forward. The issuance of Hajj visas is currently being done on a fast track. The Hajj flight schedule will be announced after Eid ul-Fitr.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs’ spokesperson stated that all arrangements regarding Makkah and Medina pilgrims’ accommodations are currently being completed. The pilgrims can receive the latest news regarding Hajj on the “Pak Hajj App” or on the Ministry’s website.
The Federal Cabinet has made significant changes regarding the distribution of Hajj quotas. The government Hajj scheme is allocated 70% of the Hajj quota under the new Hajj Policy 2026. The private Hajj scheme is allocated 30% of the Hajj quota.
Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2025 was 179,210. The government and private sectors equally received 50% of the Hajj quota. However, due to mismanagement during the previous year, more than 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims were unable to perform Hajj.
