Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced welcome news for Hajj aspirants facing passport delays. According to Secretary Dr. Attaur Rehman, applicants can now register for Hajj 2024 using the token provided when applying for passports.
This announcement comes as a relief for many eager to perform the sacred pilgrimage. Passport applicants have struggled with extensive delays over recent months due to issues at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP). While DGIP has denied backlogs, hundreds have complained of monthslong waits.
Earlier this week, the ministry also removed the requirement for a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. This indicates a return to normalcy after pandemic disruptions.
The new passport policy aims to ensure delays don’t prevent interested pilgrims from registering for Hajj. Applicants can provide passport details later once received. This accommodating stance helps address public frustrations.
Further facilitation policies may follow given the short registration timeline. Hajj 2024 will likely see a large intake after years of capped quotas. Ensuring smooth processes remains a priority for the ministry.
The updated registration requirements come just in time. With the deadline fast approaching, aspiring pilgrims can now confidently apply without worrying about passport issues.