US EditionKSA Allows Hajj Travel for Children Aged 12
The ministry said previously rejected visas will be reprocessed, and about 250 families in the government Hajj quota can choose refunds or travel options.
- On Saturday, Saudi Arabia reversed its 15-year age restriction for Hajj, restoring the previous policy that permits children aged 12 and above to travel for the annual pilgrimage.
- The Pakistan Airports Authority had initially enforced the restriction, stating, "No pilgrim under the age of 15 years will be allowed to board Hajj flights, and such visas shall be treated as cancelled under this policy."
- Sources reported that around 250 families in the government Hajj quota were impacted by the initial restriction, which the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has since withdrawn.
- Visas rejected under the 15-year restriction will be reprocessed, with the PAA confirming, "Children aged 12 and above have been allowed to perform Haj again."
- This year, the Road to Makkah project expanded to Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, and is expected to benefit over 95,000 pilgrims, positioning Saudi Arabia as a facilitator of broader Hajj accessibility.
11 Articles
11 Articles
KSA allows Hajj travel for children aged 12
Saudi authorities have reversed their earlier decision to impose restrictions on younger Hajj pilgrims, restoring the previous policy that allows children aged 12 years and above to travel for Hajj. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony confirmed this development on Saturday. He said the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has withdrawn the policy that barred children under 15 from performing Hajj. Following th…
Saudi Arabia reverses decision setting minimum age for Haj pilgrims at 15 years
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Saturday said that Saudi Arabia had reversed its decision to set the minimum age for Haj pilgrims at 15. Earlier in the day, the ministry, in a letter, had said that Saudi Arabia had set the minimum age for pilgrims at 15. It had said that the restrictions would be effective from 12am on May 3, 2026 (Monday). “The government of Saudi Arabia has assured that all affected pilgrims will receive a full…
Saudi Arabia rolls back 15-year age restriction on Hajj pilgrims
Saudi Arabia reverses restriction before May 3 implementation.Directorate General of Hajj confirms Saudi policy reversal.Children aged 12 and above regain eligibility for pilgrimage.KARACHI: Saudi Arabia has withdrawn the 15-year age...
Saudi Arabia lifts ban on under-15 pilgrims for Hajj, restores earlier policy
Saudi Arabia, May 03: Saudi Arabia has lifted its ban on pilgrims under 15 years of age for this year’s Hajj, restoring the earlier policy that allows children aged 12 and above to undertake the annual pilgrimage. The restriction, introduced recently, had barred those below 15 from performing Hajj, impacting thousands of families planning to travel together. With the latest decision, pilgrims aged 12 and above are once again eligible and can app…
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