Biometric verification mandatory for Hajj pilgrims

The process will save time at Jeddah’s airport. Once verification is done in Pakistan, pilgrims will only be required to get their passports stamped after entering the Kingdom. (AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP)

• Biometric verification is free of charge at 26 Etimad centers in various cities
• Pilgrims aged less than 6 years and over 80 are exempt

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has made biometric verification mandatory for Hajj pilgrims to streamline the identification process in the Kingdom.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has directed pilgrims, before going to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, to visit Etimad offices for biometric verification of fingerprints, and bring original bank receipts, copies of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC) and passports.
Biometric verification is free of charge at 26 Etimad centers in Faisalabad, Multan, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Sukkar, Sialkot and Rahim Yar Khan. Pilgrims aged less than 6 years and over 80 are exempt.
The process will save time at Jeddah’s airport. Once verification is done in Pakistan, pilgrims will only be required to get their passports stamped after entering the Kingdom, making it easier and quicker for them to head to their destination.