Hajj 2026: Pakistan Grants Deadline Extension for Pilgrims’ Biometric Verification
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Government of Pakistan has approved an extension of the deadline for biometric verification of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj.
The approval saw shifting the cut-off date to February 17 in a move aimed at strengthening compliance and easing operational constraints.
This was disclosed by Ministry of Religious Affairs, which stated that biometric verification remains a non-negotiable requirement for the issuance of Saudi Hajj visas.
According to the ministry, this is in line with regulatory standards set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The extension is designed to provide additional time for pilgrims who are yet to complete the mandatory process, the government explained.
According to the Ministry, the verification exercise has been fully digitized and can now be completed remotely via the designated mobile application.
The digitization has now eliminated the need for physical visits to enrolment centres. Authorities say the initiative is intended to reduce congestion, improve system efficiency, and accelerate visa processing timelines.
The Ministry urged all affected pilgrims to utilize the extended window promptly, warning that failure to complete biometric verification before the new deadline could result in disqualification from the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has formally appealed to Saudi authorities for the reopening of the recently closed pilgrims’ data capture portal, citing delays faced by fully paid intending pilgrims due to international passport constraints and other operational challenges.
