The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued an urgent advisory directing Pakistani Hajj pilgrims to complete their mandatory biometric verification by February 8, 2026, using the Saudi mobile application to avoid complications with their visa processing.
According to the ministry spokesperson, all intending pilgrims must complete their fingerprint verification through the “Saudi Visa Bio” application before the deadline. This digital process allows pilgrims to conveniently submit their biometric data from home using their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical visits to verification centers in most cases.
The biometric verification is a critical step in the Hajj visa issuance process implemented by Saudi authorities to enhance security measures and streamline pilgrim identification. The data collected helps Saudi officials manage the millions of pilgrims who arrive for the annual Islamic pilgrimage, ensuring smooth immigration processing and maintaining safety protocols.
For pilgrims who encounter technical difficulties with the mobile application or lack access to smartphones, the ministry has announced special accommodation. Tasjeer Centers, official biometric collection facilities, will remain operational throughout the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to assist those requiring in-person support.
The deadline comes as Pakistan prepares to send approximately 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026, which is expected to fall in late May or early June depending on the lunar calendar. The ministry has emphasized that missing the February 8 deadline could result in visa processing delays or rejections, potentially jeopardizing pilgrims’ ability to perform Hajj this year.
Officials have urged pilgrims not to delay and to seek immediate assistance from designated help centers if they face any challenges during the verification process.
