KARACHI, May 2 (Alliance News): Saudi Arabia has imposed a new restriction prohibiting pilgrims under the age of 15 from entering the Kingdom for Hajj 2026, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and the Pakistan Airports Authority.
The restriction will take effect from May 3, with authorities directing that no Hajj flight departing from any country will be allowed to carry pilgrims who will be under 15 years of age on May 27, 2026, corresponding to 9th Zulhijjah 1447, the Day of Arafat. As a result, all Hajj visas issued to under-15 pilgrims have been revoked.
In an official statement, the ministry said the Saudi government has instructed strict compliance, adding that all affected pilgrims will receive a full refund of their deposited amounts. Hajj Directorates, the Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan, and airlines have been directed to immediately enforce the age restriction.
Hajj flight operations from Pakistan began on April 18, with the first group of 160 pilgrims departing from Karachi via a private airline. Under the official Hajj scheme, approximately 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
According to official figures, 67,230 male pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government scheme, while 51,846 female pilgrims will also undertake the journey to the sacred sites.
Authorities have urged all stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to the new guidelines to avoid any disruption in Hajj operations.
