67,000 Pakistanis face potential financial losses due to missed Hajj pilgrimage
Key Takeaways:
- Approximately 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims are at risk of missing Hajj due to visa denials.
- These pilgrims have collectively paid over Rs36 billion for Hajj-related expenses.
- The funds, already spent on bookings and services in Saudi Arabia, may be unrecoverable.
Islamabad, Pakistan – April 19, 2025 – Over Rs36 billion is at risk as approximately 67,000 Pakistani citizens face the possibility of being unable to perform Hajj due to visa denials. According to Pakistani media reports the pilgrims, intending to travel through private organizers, are facing this issue because their visas were not issued in time due to missed deadlines on Saudi Arabia’s official Hajj portal.
The affected pilgrims have already paid a substantial amount, exceeding Rs36 billion, which has been allocated to various bookings and services within Saudi Arabia. Private organizers attribute the visa delays to short deadlines and restrictions on foreign currency transfers, making it difficult for them to finalize arrangements within the stipulated time.
A major concern is the potential loss of the Rs36 billion paid by the pilgrims. Much of this money has already been spent, often in partial payments that may not be refundable. The fragmented nature of these payments, where some services were paid for while others were not, has led to incomplete packages that were rejected by the Saudi portal.
Saudi authorities have emphasized that only individuals with valid Hajj visas will be permitted entry into Makkah during the pilgrimage period, which begins on April 23, 2025.
While there is no guarantee of compensation, pilgrims are advised to contact their travel agents for potential refund options. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has not yet issued an official statement regarding assistance for affected pilgrims.
Saudi authorities have emphasized that only individuals with valid Hajj visas will be permitted entry into Makkah during the pilgrimage period, which begins on April 23, 2025. They have also warned against using other types of visas for Hajj, stating that strict regulations are in place to ensure the safety and smooth experience of authorized pilgrims.
