Hajj 2027 Application Date Changed: New August 18 Schedule & First-Time POC Quota Details

Hajj 2027 applications under Pakistan’s 179,210 quota will now open on August 18, 2026, via HBL on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are payable in two equal installments, and for the first time, a 1% quota (1,792 seats) is reserved for overseas Pakistan Origin Card (POC) holders.

PAKISTAN NEWS

Aagahi Hub

8/16/20262 min read

Green Islamic background with Makkah Holy Kaaba outline and Hajj 2027 application details on Aagahi
Green Islamic background with Makkah Holy Kaaba outline and Hajj 2027 application details on Aagahi

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially updated the starting date for receiving Hajj 2027 applications. Originally scheduled to begin on August 17, the application process will now start on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Pilgrims applying under the government scheme can submit their forms and payments through designated Habib Bank Limited (HBL) branches across Pakistan. Submissions will be handled strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, and the portal will stop accepting new applications once the allocated seats are filled.

Hajj 2027 Total Quota Breakdown

Saudi Arabia has fixed Pakistan's total Hajj quota for 2027 at 179,210 pilgrims. The government has divided this total quota into two main parts:

  • Government Hajj Scheme (60%): 107,526 seats reserved for pilgrims applying through official government channels.

  • Private Hajj Scheme (40%): 71,684 seats allocated to licensed private Hajj operators.

Two-Installment Payment Plan

To make payments easier for pilgrims, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has split the total Hajj costs into two equal installments:

  1. First Installment (50%): Applicants must pay half of the total Hajj fee at the time of submitting their application form.

  2. Second Installment (50%): The remaining half will be collected closer to the final preparation phase.

All payments and application forms will be processed exclusively through Habib Bank system-generated channels.

Big News: Overseas POC Holders Allowed Under Pakistan Quota

For the very first time, Saudi Arabia has approved the inclusion of Pakistan Origin Card (POC) holders under Pakistan's official Hajj quota.

Key Points for POC Applicants:

  • Dedicated 1% Quota: Exactly 1% of Pakistan's total quota—equal to 1,792 seats—is reserved specifically for foreign citizens of Pakistani origin who hold a valid POC.

  • Both Schemes Available: POC holders can apply through either the Government Hajj Scheme or the Private Hajj Scheme.

  • Eligibility Criteria: This facility is designed for overseas nationals who surrendered their Pakistani passports but hold a valid POC, provided there are no visa or legal hurdles from Saudi Arabia.

  • Official Terms: Detailed rules and conditions will be published on the Ministry of Religious Affairs official website according to guidelines set by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

For real-time updates on Hajj policies, government news, and Islamic announcements, stay connected with Aagahi Hub.