Hajj pilgrims to get passports within 24 hours

Islamabad: Director General (DG) Passports has announced the establishment of a special desk for Hajj pilgrims, under which they will obtain passports in just 24 hours.

According to DG Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi, special desks will be established in all regional offices including the headquarters and this facility will also be available in passport offices established around the world.

DG Passports said that Hajj pilgrims will be dealt with on a priority basis at special counters and delivery of passports will be ensured within 24 hours.

It is pertinent to note that this year, under the government scheme, Rs0.2 million will be submitted along with the application. Rs0.4 million in draw selection and the remaining amount will be deposited by February 10.

Hajj applications for the government scheme can be submitted until December 3. If the applications are more than the quota, the draw for the regular scheme will be held on December 6.

The government quota sponsorship scheme is on a first-come, first-served basis. The sponsorship scheme requires all funds to be deposited in a lump sum of dollars. Last year, due to a low number of Hajj applications, a 10-day extension was also given for the submission of applications.