The Ministry of Religious Affairs has started receiving applications for the Private Hajj Scheme 2026, giving thousands of new pilgrims a chance to reserve their place for the upcoming pilgrimage.
As per official figures, 37,903 new applicants will be accommodated this year under the private scheme. Along with them, 22,097 people who could not perform Hajj last year have been automatically re-registered and will be given priority.
Private Hajj operators have been instructed to submit affidavits confirming the registration of these leftover pilgrims. The ministry has also directed operators to ensure that these applicants are adjusted first before processing new ones.
This year, the total quota for private operators has been fixed at 60,000 pilgrims, out of which 22,097 seats are reserved for previously registered applicants and 37,903 for fresh applicants.
Earlier, the ministry had also completed the application process for the Government Hajj Scheme 2026, which received 118,060 applications from across the country. The process remained open for 17 days and was completed earlier than in previous years due to the strong response.
Applications were submitted both online and through designated banks on a first-come, first-served basis. Pilgrims had the option to apply for both short and long-duration packages.
The ministry confirmed that applicants have already deposited the first instalment, equal to 50 percent of the total cost, to confirm their bookings. The remaining payment will be due on November 1, 2025.
According to estimates, the total cost under the government scheme will range between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million, depending on the applicant’s region and length of stay.