ISLAMABAD: The deadline for completing the Saudi visa biometric requirement for this year’s Hajj has been extended until February 17, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said on Monday.

According to a ministry spokesperson, pilgrims can complete the biometric process through a mobile application from home.

Biometrics can also be completed at Saudi Tasheer Centres established in six major cities across Pakistan. Pilgrims have been advised to keep the receipt or confirmation email issued by the centres as proof of verification.

The spokesperson emphasised that biometric verification is mandatory for obtaining a Hajj visa, adding that no visa will be issued without completing the process.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that the kingdom began issuing Hajj visas to intending pilgrims worldwide from February 8.

According to Saudi Gazette, the early launch is part of an accelerated timeline aimed at enhancing service readiness and ensuring pilgrims’ comfort around four months ahead of the rituals, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

So far, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered, with packages booked for 30,000 pilgrims directly from their home countries.

The Saudi ministry further said that approximately 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, while 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual arrangements.

In Pakistan, registration has been completed for 119,000 government pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf confirmed last month.

He said Hajj preparations are underway according to the Saudi timeline, adding that arrangements for food, transportation and other services were finalised through a competitive process.

The minister also noted that during Hajj 2025, refunds worth Rs3.5 billion were returned to 75% of Pakistani pilgrims, with individual refunds ranging from Rs12,000 to Rs110,000.

He added that training sessions with audio-visual facilities are being conducted at 147 locations nationwide to ensure pilgrims remain well-prepared and disciplined during the pilgrimage.