The Minister for Religious Affairs has unveiled the much-anticipated Hajj policy for 2024. This blog post provides a detailed overview of the essential information prospective pilgrims need to know before applying for Hajj 2024.
Three Distinct Hajj Packages to Choose From
Under the Government Hajj Scheme, pilgrims will receive comprehensive facilities, including training, vaccination, medical services in Saudi Arabia, two-way flight tickets, complete transport, and 5 liters of Zamzam water. Pilgrims opting for this package will embark on a journey of up to 42 days, including eight days in Madina. The cost for this package varies depending on the departure region.
42-days Hajj Package:
For those from southern regions (Karachi, Quetta, Sukkur), the cost is Rs. 1,065,000, while those from the northern areas will pay Rs. 1,075,000 for Hajj.
Sponsorship Scheme:
The Sponsorship Scheme caters to overseas Pakistanis, allowing them to nominate someone else on their behalf. The charges for travelers from the northern and southern regions have been set at $3,800 and $3,765, respectively.
25-days Hajj Package:
The newly introduced Short Hajj Package offers a quicker pilgrimage experience, concluding within a maximum of 25 days. This package comes at an additional cost compared to the regular Hajj package. Those from the southern region will pay Rs. 1,140,000, while those from the northern parts will pay Rs. 1,150,000. Under the Sponsorship Scheme, the costs are $4,015 and $4,050 for the respective regions.
Essential Application Instructions and Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria:
· Applicants must hold a CNIC issued by NADRA and possess passports valid until December 16, 2024.
· Passport application tokens will also be accepted.
Package Selection and Payment:
· Applicants can select their desired Hajj package and provide their details through the Ministry’s website or designated banks.
· Mandatory to deposit the Hajj application and expenses at any designated bank.
· The selected Hajj package cannot be changed during the stay in Saudi Arabia.
Exceptions for Applicants:
· Men and women who have performed Hajj between 2017 and 2023 are generally not eligible to apply, except for certain cases under the Sponsorship Scheme.
· Women may perform Hajj without a male guardian under specific conditions.
Additional Considerations:
· An attendant must accompany Pilgrims over the age of 80.
· 25,000 seats are reserved for the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme on a “first-come, first-served” basis, with the rest allocated to the Regular Hajj Scheme.
Application Submission and Draw Date:
· The Ministry of Religious Affairs will accept applications from November 27 until December 12, with the Hajj draw date to be announced later.
With various package options and specific guidelines, prospective Hajj applicants can now prepare for their sacred journey to the holy land.
