The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony revealed on Monday that Pakistani pilgrims planning for Hajj in the coming year will no longer be obliged to present evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination.
The announcement, made via X (formerly Twitter), stated, “The condition for a coronavirus vaccine has been abolished, and Hajj pilgrims are no longer required to submit their vaccination certificates.”
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This adjustment comes in the wake of Saudi authorities lifting major restrictions on the Hajj pilgrimage earlier this year in June, allowing it to return to full capacity for the first time since the onset of the global pandemic.
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For the upcoming Hajj in 2024, the Ministry of Religious Affairs commenced registration on November 27, with the process continuing until December 12. Applicants can submit their forms with a passport valid until December 16, 2024, and the Hajj application can also be processed using a passport application token.
The spokesperson for the ministry stated that approximately 89,605 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj under the government scheme next year. If the number of applications exceeds the allocated slots, a ballot will be conducted.
Women will have the opportunity to undertake the sacred journey without the traditional requirement of a male companion. The sponsorship scheme will allocate 25,000 seats on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a fair and inclusive chance for all eligible individuals.
