The Ministry of Religious Affairs has formally opened applications for the Private Hajj Scheme 2026, offering thousands of Pakistanis the opportunity to perform the sacred pilgrimage next year. Officials confirmed that the process has been designed to be more transparent and inclusive, guaranteeing that both new applicants and those left out last year are given fair access.
Priority for Leftover Pilgrims
Under the newly declared plan, the all-inclusive quota for private Hajj operators has been fixed at 60,000 pilgrims. Out of this, 22,097 slots have been reserved for pilgrims who were unable to proceed with Hajj in 2025 despite registering and paying. These individuals have now been automatically re-registered, sparing them from going through the application process again.
The ministry has directed private Hajj operators to prioritize these pilgrims. Operators are required to submit affidavits confirming that leftover applicants have been registered first before fresh applications are considered. This measure is meant to build trust among applicants and avoid the confusion or disappointment that some faced in previous years.
Read more: Pakistan approves Hajj policy 2026: Govt-private quota set at 70:30
Fresh Applicants Welcomed
Alongside re-registered pilgrims, 37,903 new applicants will be accommodated this year. With the process now open, aspiring pilgrims are encouraged to apply as early as possible through authorized operators to secure their slot under the private scheme.
The announcement for the private scheme comes shortly after the ministry finalized the application process for the Government Hajj Scheme 2026. That program drew 118,060 applications from across the country within a span of 17 days. Officials noted that the response was stronger and quicker than in previous years, with applications closing earlier than expected.
For the government scheme, applications were accepted both online and through designated banks. Pilgrims had the option to choose between short and long-duration packages, catering to different needs and budgets.
Payment and Costs
To secure their place, applicants under the government scheme have already deposited 50 percent of the total cost as the first instalment. The second instalment will be due on November 1, 2025, which are going to cover the remaining expenses.
Experts estimate that the total cost for performing Hajj under the government program will range between Rs. 1.15 million and Rs. 1.25 million, depending on the pilgrim’s region of residence and the duration of stay in Saudi Arabia.
Ensuring a Smooth Experience
By splitting quotas between leftover and new applicants, the ministry keeps on hoping to provide a smoother, more reliable experience for Pakistanis eager to perform Hajj in 2026.
With a total of 60,000 pilgrims under the private scheme and over 118,000 under the government program, Pakistan is on track to send one of its largest groups of pilgrims in recent years, depicting the deep spiritual dedication of its citizens.