Saudi Arabia has made biometric verification compulsory for the issuance of all Hajj visas, marking a significant shift toward fully digital processing for pilgrims.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed the development on Friday, saying the biometric requirement is now a mandatory step in the visa process and must be completed before any Hajj visa is issued.
According to officials, pilgrims can complete biometric verification from home using the “Saudi Visa Bio” mobile application, which allows users to submit required biometric data digitally.
However, authorities acknowledged that some applicants may face technical difficulties. In such cases, pilgrims have been directed to visit the nearest Saudi Tasheer Centre to complete the process in person.
The ministry stressed that those opting for physical verification must complete their biometrics no later than February 8, warning that delays could jeopardize visa issuance.
“No Hajj visa will be issued without biometric verification,” a ministry spokesperson said, urging pilgrims to comply within the stipulated timeframe.
Information on the locations of Saudi Tasheer Centres is available through the Pak Hajj Mobile App, the ministry added.
