Saudi Arabia has imposed a bar on pilgrims under the age of 15 from performing Hajj this year, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday.
The restriction, per the statement, goes into effect on May 3. From that date, it says, pilgrims under 15 will not be allowed to travel on Hajj flights. In this regard, Hajj visas of all under-15 pilgrims have been revoked.
“Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has restrained the entry of under 15 years pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and instructed that no flight departing from any country to Saudi Arabia shall be permitted to carry any pilgrim who will be under 15 years of age on 27th May 2026 (corresponding to 9th Zulhijjah 1447—Day of Arafat),” read the statement.
The ministry said the Saudi government has assured all affected pilgrims will receive a full refund of the deposited amount. It said all Hajj Directorates, the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan and airlines have been directed to implement age restrictions immediately.
Hajj flight operations from Pakistan began on April 18, with the first batch carrying 160 pilgrims departing from Karachi via a private airline.