Saudi Arabia announces last deadline for Umrah applications before Hajj

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced the last deadline for foreign pilgrims to apply for Umrah ahead of Hajj 2022 which will be attended by one million people this year.

According to Saudi Ministry for Hajj and Umrah, the last date for applying for Umrah is being set for May 16 2022 (today). “The decision will be implemented with the cooperation of the Saudi foreign ministry,” it said.

The last day for the departure of Umrah pilgrims from Saudi Arabia is being at 30 Ziqat. As many as 1.6 million pilgrims have so far performed Umrah this year.

Yesterday, Communications Minister Maulana Asad Mahmood said that 32,000 successful Hajj applicants are announced today, whereas, the details of the remaining applicants will also be unveiled.

Maulana Asad Mahmood said 31,253 aspiring pilgrims will perform Hajj this year as Pakistan was given the quota of 86,000 pilgrims in 2022. The names of 32,000 successful applicants will be announced after balloting today in accordance with the 40 per cent government quota.

The federal minister said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to fix affordable Hajj expenses for pilgrims. The final Hajj package will be announced after Saudi Arabia’s plan.

READ: SAUDI ARABIA TO HOST 1 MILLION HAJJ PILGRIMS IN 2022

“People aged over 65 years cannot perform the pilgrimage. Hajj directorate is in contact with the Saudi officials while federal minister for religious affairs Mufti Abdul Shakoor is also present in Saudi Arabia.”

Maulana Mahmood said that the unsuccessful applicants could receive their fees from the banks.