The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Doha, Qatar has officially opened registration for the Hajj season of the year 1446 AH. The registration period began on September 22, at 8am and will continue until October 22, 2024. This early opening of registration is an effort to allow Hajj campaigns to finalize their arrangements well in advance, improving the overall services provided to pilgrims from Qatar. This decision was motivated by the success of early registration in the previous season, highlighting the positive outcomes of this proactive approach.
During a press conference, the Director of the Department of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry, Ali bin Sultan Al Misifri, explained that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia had already announced preparations for the upcoming Hajj season at the end of June. These preparations include ensuring exceptional services for pilgrims, with the distribution of quotas among countries and a detailed timeline for contracting housing, food, transportation, and permits. Al Misifri stated that registration will be conducted through the website hajj.gov.qa, with electronic sorting to begin immediately after the registration phase, followed by approvals being sent to applicants in November.
Qatari pilgrims are allocated a share of 4,400 for this year’s Hajj season. The eligibility criteria for Qatari pilgrims include a minimum age of 18 years and the allowance to register up to 3 companions. Meanwhile, Gulf citizens and residents must be at least 45 years old, with the option to register one companion, and a minimum residency period of 15 years in the country. Al Misifri emphasized the importance of registering companions within the same application to avoid any potential issues later on.
In order to facilitate the registration process, the Ministry has prepared a simplified video clip explaining the registration method and the steps for applicants to follow. This clip will be shared on the Ministry’s social media platforms to provide detailed instructions on how to register for the Hajj season. Additionally, there are currently 27 licensed and approved Hajj campaigns available for individuals interested in participating in the pilgrimage. In case of any inquiries or complaints, the public can contact the Hajj and Umrah Affairs Department via the hotline 132 during official working hours.
Overall, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Qatar is taking proactive measures to streamline the registration process for the upcoming Hajj season. By opening registration early, they aim to enhance the services provided to pilgrims from Qatar and ensure that all necessary arrangements are made well in advance. With a clear timeline for contracting services and distributing quotas, the Ministry is working to make the journey for Hajj pilgrims as smooth and efficient as possible. Eligibility criteria for Qatari pilgrims and Gulf citizens/residents have been outlined, along with the importance of registering companions to avoid any potential issues. The Ministry’s efforts to simplify the registration process through a video clip and availability of licensed Hajj campaigns further demonstrate their dedication to providing a seamless experience for all participants.
