Ishaq Dar, the finance minister, presided over a meeting of the federal cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) today, during which 163 million dollars were allocated for this year’s Hajj arrangements.
The ministry announced that all 72,869 aspirants would do Hajj this year without a ballot. This Thursday, the federal authorities decided to accept all applications and send all 72,869 applicants to the Hajj without conducting a vote.
On the advice of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and at the Prime Minister’s direction, Shehbaz Sharif, the cabinet made its decision.
According to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s announcement during the cabinet meeting, the federal government has decided to accept all applications and send all 72,869 applicants on Hajj without conducting a ballot.
Ishaq Dar further stated that to transport more Hajj pilgrims than the predetermined quota allowed under the usual programme, the Religious Ministry will need additional funds, including foreign currency.
Saudi Arabia‘s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that priority for registration this year will go to those who have not made the pilgrimage before. A new pilgrim can accompany a main applicant, provided they highlight their first-time status in their application.
The news came during the ministry’s response to a question on its Twitter account from a person who wanted to know the reason why his Hajj application was rejected. The applicant had performed the pilgrimage 16 years before.
The ministry also announced on Sunday that it is not possible to add companions after paying the Hajj fees. People cannot come to perform Hajj unless they hold a dedicated pilgrimage visa or have residency inside Saudi Arabia.
