Punjab Passport Offices to Remain Open Over the Weekend for Hajj Staff. Punjab passport offices will remain open on Saturday and Sunday to ensure the timely issuance of passports for Hajj welfare staff. The decision comes just one day before the Saudi Arabia deadline for uploading passport details.
The move aims to prevent delays that could affect Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements for 2026.
Why Passport Offices Will Stay Open
According to reports, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has formally requested the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports to keep passport offices operational across the country over the weekend.
In an official letter, the ministry described the situation as extremely urgent. It stressed that the passports of Hajj welfare staff must be uploaded on a designated Saudi system by December 21, 2025.
Missing the deadline could result in staff being unable to perform their duties during Hajj.
Emergency Declared at Ministry
Sources confirmed that an emergency has been declared at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Key steps taken include:
- Cancellation of all staff leave
- Extended working hours
- Fast-track processing of Hajj-related passports
- Close coordination with passport offices nationwide
Despite these measures, several Hajj welfare staff members are still waiting for passport issuance.
Urgent Passports for Hajj Medical Mission
The ministry has also requested immediate issuance of passports for 268 members of the Hajj Medical Mission.
These individuals are linked to the armed forces and require urgent clearance to proceed with official duties. Any delay could disrupt medical support services for Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj.
Deadline Pressure from Saudi Authorities
Saudi authorities require all passport details of Hajj staff to be uploaded before the cutoff date. Failure to meet this requirement may result in:
- Disqualification of welfare staff
- Reduction in on-ground support for pilgrims
- Administrative complications for Pakistan’s Hajj operations
This pressure has prompted authorities to take extraordinary measures.
Background: Hajj Challenges in 2025
The urgency is also linked to past issues. In Hajj 2025, more than 63,000 Pakistanis were unable to perform Hajj due to administrative and quota-related challenges.
Officials are now trying to avoid a repeat by ensuring:
- Timely documentation
- Early staff deployment
- Smooth coordination with Saudi systems
What This Means for Hajj Arrangements 2026
Keeping passport offices open over the weekend is a critical step to meet international deadlines. It reflects the government’s effort to improve Hajj planning and prevent disruptions.
If the process stays on track, it will help:
- Ensure welfare staff availability
- Strengthen medical and logistical support
- Improve overall Hajj management
Conclusion
The decision to keep passport offices open shows the seriousness of the situation. Authorities are racing against time to meet Saudi requirements and protect Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements.
Applicants and Hajj staff are advised to visit passport offices immediately and complete formalities without delay to avoid last-minute issues.
