Applications for unregistered Hajj 2026 pilgrims begin today

ISLAMABAD: The second phase of applications for Hajj 2026 under the government’s official scheme officially kicked off today. The Ministry of Religious Affairs began accepting applications from unregistered pilgrims.

This move aims to fill the remaining seats available for the sacred journey to Mecca. Out of the 118,210 seats available under the government scheme, 46,924 seats are still up for grabs. The government has made a push to complete the allocation process, which follows the receipt of applications from 71,286 registered pilgrims over the past six days.

Also read: Missed Hajj 2026 registration deadline? Govt is offering another chance

Currently, 60.3 per cent of the total quota has been filled, leaving rest of the seats still open for aspiring pilgrims. Applications are being accepted both through the Ministry’s online portal and at designated banks across the country.

Along with their applications, pilgrims are required to submit the first installment of their Hajj expenses to secure their spots.

The collection of applications will continue until August 16, with a spokesperson for the Ministry urging all interested applicants to submit their documents promptly to avoid missing out on this year’s pilgrimage.

MoHR SOUGHT APPLICATIONS TWICE

Despite the closure of initial Hajj 2026 applications deadline on July 11, the federal government decided on August 3 to re-open applications for pilgrims. While 450,000 individuals had registered for Hajj, there were still concerns that the full quota of 1.2 million pilgrims may not be fulfilled from Pakistan.

Therefore the government allowed registered pilgrims to submit applications, along with the initial fees, from August 4 to August 9, and now unregistered pilgrims are allowed to submit applications from August 11 to August 16.

Applications from both groups will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

HAJJ 2025 SNAFU

For Hajj 2025, a combination of administrative inefficiencies and financial irregularities of private Hajj schemes led to nearly 70,000 registered pilgrims being unable to embark on the sacred journey. To rectify that as well, authorities confirmed those pilgrims will also be accommodated in Hajj 2026, without any additional cost.

Also read: Missed Hajj? Private scheme pilgrims to be sent next year, assures ministry

According to sources, private Hajj operators have assured the Ministry of Religious Affairs that pilgrims who had already paid but missed out will be facilitated next year under the same payment terms. This will offer relief to nearly 25,000 to 26,000 individuals.