With the Saudi Arabia deadline for Hajj welfare staff passports approaching, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged the Directorate General (DG) of Passport to keep all passport offices open over the weekend. The request comes as only one day remains to complete the issuance and uploading of passports for personnel assisting pilgrims during Hajj.

In an official letter, the ministry emphasized the urgency of the matter, requesting that DG Passport treat it as extremely important. Sources told 24NewsHD that an emergency had been declared at the ministry, with leave for concerned staff canceled to ensure timely processing of passports.

The ministry highlighted that all passports must be uploaded on the designated app by December 21. Special attention was requested for 268 members of the Hajj Medical Mission, whose passports are linked to armed forces personnel, urging immediate issuance.

This move comes in the context of previous Hajj seasons, where over 63,000 Pakistanis were unable to perform Hajj in 2025 due to logistical and administrative delays. Ensuring weekend operations is aimed at avoiding such setbacks and facilitating smooth travel arrangements for welfare and medical staff supporting pilgrims.