The federal government of Pakistan has officially announced the dates for the acceptance of Hajj applications for 2023.
In a press conference, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Mufti Abdul Shakoor, revealed the dates after the approval of the Hajj Policy 2023 by the federal cabinet.
If you are planning to perform Hajj application in 2023, then it is essential to be aware of the application process, required documents, and other important details.
This article covers everything you need to know about the Hajj application dates and the application process.
Hajj Application Dates
The acceptance of Hajj application for 2023 will begin on March 25, 2023, and will continue until April 8, 2023. The federal government has announced that there will be no extension of the deadline. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready before the deadline.
Hajj Policy 2023
The Hajj Policy 2023 has been approved by the federal cabinet. The new policy aims to facilitate and ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims during their Hajj application. Some of the key features of the Hajj Policy 2023 are:
Increase in Hajj Quota
The federal government has decided to increase the Hajj application for Pakistan from 179,210 to 200,000. This increase in the quota will provide more opportunities for the pilgrims to perform Hajj.
Enhanced Facilities
The government has announced that it will provide enhanced facilities to the pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia. These facilities include improved transportation, accommodation, medical facilities, and food services.
Introduction of E-Visa
The government has decided to introduce an e-visa system for Hajj pilgrims. This system will make the visa application process more efficient and convenient for the applicants.
Required Documents for Hajj 2023 Application
To apply for Hajj 2023, you will need to submit the following documents:
Original Passport
You must have a valid passport that is valid until at least February 2024. The passport should have two blank pages for the visa stamp.
National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
You will need to provide a copy of your NICOP or a copy of your Form-B if you do not have a NICOP.
Hajj Application Form
You can obtain the Hajj application form from the designated bank branches or the official website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Medical Fitness Certificate
You must obtain a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
Vaccination Certificate
You must have a valid certificate of vaccination against COVID-19.
Two Passport-size Photographs
You will need to submit two passport-size photographs with a white background.
How to Apply for Hajj 2023
To apply for Hajj 2023, you can follow these simple steps:
Obtain the Hajj Application Form
You can obtain the Hajj application form from the designated bank branches or the official website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Fill the Application Form
You must fill the application form carefully, providing accurate and complete information.
Submit the Required Documents
You must submit all the required documents along with the application form. complete your all documents when you submitt.
Submit the Application Form
You can submit the application form at the designated bank branches or online through the official website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Wait for the Ballot Result
Once you have submitted the
Impact of COVID-19 on Hajj 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Hajj pilgrimage in the past two years, with restrictions on the number of pilgrims and increased health and safety measures.
It is expected that the pandemic will continue to have an impact on the Hajj pilgrimage in 2023.
The Saudi Arabian government has already announced that it will allow only a limited number of pilgrims to perform Hajj this year, and it is unclear how the situation will be in 2023.
However, the federal government of Pakistan has assured that it is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims during their Hajj journey.
The Hajj Policy 2023 includes strict health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The pilgrims will have to undergo COVID-19 testing before their departure and after their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
They will also have to follow social distancing guidelines and wear face masks at all times.
Conclusion
Performing Hajj is a significant spiritual journey for Muslims, and it requires careful planning and preparation.
If you are planning to perform Hajj in 2023, it is essential to be aware of the application dates, required documents, and other important details.
The federal government of Pakistan has announced the dates for the acceptance of Hajj applications, and the Hajj Policy 2023 has been approved to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
Make sure to follow the application process carefully and submit all the required documents before the deadline.
