Doha, Qatar: Registration for the next Haj Season for citizens and expatriates will begin on September 20, 2023, at 8am through the website of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs (www.hajj.gov.qa) and will last until October 20, 2023.
The Haj quota allocated for Qatar by Saudi authorities is 4,400 pilgrims for 2024 Hajj Season. The announcement was made by the Department of Haj and Umrah at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in a press conference held at the headquarters of the Ministry yesterday.
Addressing the press conference, Director of the Department of Haj and Umrah Ali bin Sultan Al Misifri said that the Department decided to open the registration for Haj earlier this year to give enough time to Haj tour operators to make contracts with Saudi companies and other necessary arrangements to serve pilgrims in a better way.
He said that the registration will continue for a month then automated selection and approval process will take place which is expected to start from November.
“The registration is allowed for citizens and expatriates under certain conditions. Qatari candidates should not be less than 16 years and they are allowed to add five companions in their applications,” said Al Misifri.
He said that applicants from nationalities of other GCC countries should be not less than 18 years and should have a valid Qatari residency permit. GCC nationals are allowed to add only one companion in the application.
“Expatriates who plan to apply for Haj 2024 season should be 40 years and above and are residing in Qatar for not less than 10 years. Expatriates are allowed to add only one companion in their application,” said Al Misifri. Speaking about the Haj quota, he said that Qatar is allocated 4,400 pilgrims for upcoming Haj season, however, the efforts are continuing to increase the quota.
Al Misifri said that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj made public the allocation of quotas for various countries for the Hajj season 2024 on June 30. Additionally, he said, they initiated the electronic registration pathway for pilgrims and campaigns.
“For further information, the interested candidates can communicate with the Department of Haj and Umrah through hotline No. 132 during official time from 8am to 1pm,” said Al Misifri. To a question about the Haj tour operators, he said that so far 20 Haj operators are registered at the Department. “We received some new applications for Haj operation which are yet to be finalised. The door is open anyone who is able to take the Haj tour can apply at the Department for licensing to open Haj tour office,” he said.
