The Ministry of Religious Affairs has opened applications for the Private Hajj Scheme 2026, offering thousands of new slots for new pilgrims.
According to the details, the quota for Hajj 2026 is set for 60,000 pilgrims, accommodating 37,903 new pilgrims under the private scheme, while the priority will be given to the 22,097 pilgrims who missed the pilgrimage last year.
The pilgrims who missed the Hajj last year automatically re-registered for the Hajj quota 2025.
Private Hajj operators must submit affidavits confirming the registration of leftover pilgrims who missed last year’s Hajj.
The Ministry has directed operators to prioritize them first before processing new applications from fresh applicants.
The Ministry’s clear focus is on giving priority to those who were unable to perform the Hajj last year.
This system ensures that these pilgrims, who were already in the registration process, can fulfill their religious duty before new applicants are processed.
The scheme aims to balance fairness and efficiency, ensuring that those who missed the chance due to unforeseen circumstances are accommodated first.
This move will bring relief to many pilgrims who were hoping to go on Hajj in 2026.
Earlier to this, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced an extension for Hajj 2026 applications under the government scheme.
According to ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, designated banks will continue receiving applications on Monday, August 18, under the “first-come, first-served” policy. However, the online portal will close permanently at midnight on August 16.
So far, more than 110,000 applications have been received in the past 12 days, while nearly 7,000 seats remain vacant under the official quota. The spokesperson said that once the remaining seats are filled, the application process will stop immediately.
