Pakistan Hajj Mission issued a new directive, confirming that pilgrims above 12 years of age are eligible to travel
ISLAMABAD:
Saudi authorities have reversed their earlier decision to impose restrictions on younger Hajj pilgrims, restoring the previous policy that allows children aged 12 years and above to travel for Hajj.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony confirmed this development on Saturday. He said the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has withdrawn the policy that barred children under 15 from performing Hajj.
Following the policy reversal, the Pakistan Hajj Mission issued a new directive, confirming that pilgrims above 12 years of age are eligible to travel.
Officials stated that the Ministry of Religious Affairs will now handle cases of applicants whose visas were previously rejected due to age restrictions; affected pilgrims will not need to reapply independently.
Earlier, Saudi authorities had rejected visas for pilgrims under 15 years of age and informed Pakistani applicants accordingly. The ministry had also assured that full refunds would be provided to families with underage children if they chose not to proceed with the pilgrimage.
Sources said around 250 families in the government Hajj quota included children below 15 years of age. These families were given the option to either receive full refunds or proceed without the child.
Under the new policy reversal, previously rejected visa applications will now be reprocessed, and affected applicants been instructed to resubmit their cases. Authorities have advised pilgrims to continue preparations without concern, as the situation has now been resolved.
