Pakistan has revised the schedule for receiving applications for Hajj 2027, with the application process now set to begin on August 18 instead of August 17, according to sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Applications and payments will be accepted through Habib Bank Limited (HBL) branches on a first-come, first-served basis. The government will stop accepting applications once the allocated government Hajj quota is filled.
Pakistan has been allocated a total Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2027. Of this, 107,526 pilgrims (60%) will perform Hajj under the government scheme, while 71,684 pilgrims (40%) will be accommodated through private Hajj operators.
Hajj expenses to be paid in two instalments
According to ministry sources, Hajj expenses will be collected in two equal instalments. Applicants will be required to deposit 50% of the total Hajj package cost when submitting their applications.
The ministry is expected to issue further details regarding the overall Hajj package and remaining payment schedule.
1,792 POC holders to get Hajj quota
In another major development, Saudi Arabia has approved the participation of Pakistani-origin Pakistan Origin Card (POC) holders in Pakistan’s Hajj quota for 2027.
Under the arrangement, 1% of Pakistan’s total quota — 1,792 seats — will be reserved for POC holders. They will be eligible to apply through both the government and private Hajj schemes.
The facility is aimed at foreign nationals of Pakistani origin who previously held Pakistani citizenship but later surrendered their Pakistani nationality and passport.
Their participation, however, will remain subject to Saudi visa requirements and the absence of any legal or administrative restrictions.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will announce detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures for POC holders, incorporating requirements set by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.