Hajj is the most anticipated event for Muslims worldwide. Following a two-year hiatus, Saudi Arabia is now preparing to welcome pilgrims from all over the world to perform the Hajj including those from Pakistan.
Below, we have gathered the Hajj guideline for all Pakistani nationals wishing to perform the pilgrimage this year. Read further to find out.
Government of Pakistan Hajj Scheme 2022
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has recently announced the Hajj quota allocation for Pakistani pilgrims. A total of 81,132 pilgrims from Pakistan will be able to perform this year’s Hajj in July. The announcement by the Saudi Hajj authorities renders Pakistan the second-highest country in terms of the number of pilgrims just behind Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country.
As per the latest update from the Pakistan Hajj authorities, a Hajj quota has been allocated for 81,132 pilgrims from Pakistan with the cost of Hajj expected to be around Rs0.7m to 1m this year. Accordingly, Pakistan Hajj authorities have stated that they have already begun initiating the Haj application process and will continue to do so until 13 May 2022.
Applicants will need to deposit a token amount of Rs50,000 along with their application at any of the scheduled banks designated by the ministry. They can also submit their applications online until 13 May. A COVID-19 booster dose and a PCR test are undertaken 72 hours prior to departure is also a mandatory requirement for all pilgrims. The age limit for Pakistani pilgrims to perform the Hajj is 65 years.
Hajj 2022 from Pakistan dates
Hajj 2022 from Pakistan requirements and rules
As of now, there are a few requirements and rules that have been announced regarding Hajj 2022 in Pakistan:
Age limit & testing requirements
Hajj will be available this year for those under 65 years of age, provided that they obtain the basic doses of vaccines approved in the Kingdom and they must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival to the Kingdom.
Vaccination requirements
Pilgrims seeking to perform the Hajj must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with the complete doses of the following vaccines to be able to enter the Kingdom:
- Pfizer/BioNTech. 2 doses
- Oxford/AstraZeneca: 2 doses
- Janssen. 2 doses
- Moderna. 2 doses
- Sinopharm + 1 dose of any of the above vaccines
- Sinovac + 1 dose of 1 of any of the above vaccines
Additionally, individuals fully vaccinated with the following vaccines who have not yet taken a booster shot may also enter Saudi Arabia for the purpose of short visits including performing Umrah.
- Sinopharm
- Sinovac
- Covaxin
- Sputnik V
Quarantine requirements
No quarantine will be necessary for foreign pilgrims fully vaccinated with vaccines approved in Saudi Arabia. However, travelers arriving on visit visas (including pilgrims) must have medical insurance to cover any COVID-19-related treatment costs during their stay.
Permit
Worshippers are no longer required to obtain a permit and appointment to pray at the Grand Mosque in Makkah as well as the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. However, you will still need to obtain a Hajj permit through the online app Absher. For further details, you can check our article about Hajj 2022 packages and how to obtain your Hajj permit below:
Health protocols
Social distancing in mosques and other areas no longer applies. Mask-wearing, though not required outdoors, is still required to be worn inside mosques and other indoor facilities.
How to apply for Hajj 2022 from Pakistan
Hajj applications are available at https://applyonline.hajjinfo.org/
Applications will be accepted till 13th May 2022.
Government hajj scheme application date
The application date for Hajj in Pakistan usually starts from February to April each year. Make sure to stay updated with the application date by checking with the prescribed bank below:
- National Bank Limited (NBP)
- Allied Bank Limited (ABL)
- Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB)
- United Bank Limited (UBL)
- Habib Bank Limited (HBL)
- Bank Alfalah
- Bank of Punjab (BOP)
- Meezan Bank
Filling out the Hajj application form
- Before you obtain your Hajj package, you can get your Hajj application form from the prescribed bank above.
- Fill out the form according to the instructions given.
- Attach your computerized readable passport and a copy of your computerized CNIC with the form.
- Submit the form to the same bank where you get the form.
Hajj 2022 Lucky Draw
Once you have done with the application form submission, the officials will check all of your details and documents before approving your form.
After the approval process, your application form will be put into the lucky draw. If you are lucky, you can perform Hajj this year under the government’s scheme. If you are not, you can apply for Hajj next year on the government’s quota. Although, you will also have another option to apply through private travel agencies in Pakistan.
Pilgrims whose names are listed in the lucky draw for Hajj have to deposit their medical certificates and passports through banks. They can also contact their hired tour and travel agents for further information.
Hajj Lucky Draw 2022 announcement
To find out if your name is among the lucky ones in the ballot result, you can find out on Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony’s website here. All you need to do is to fill out your CNIC number or your Hajj application number and click ‘Ok’.
