Qatar Issues New Directives for Residents Wishing to Perform Hajj

The Hajj and Umrah Department at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) in Qatar has announced new directives for residents wishing to perform Hajj this year.

The department has stipulated that all applicants must have completed their Covid-19 vaccination and must provide proof of vaccination with their application.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for residents wishing to apply for a Hajj permit include the following:

• All applicants must have completed their two doses of Covid-19 vaccination and declare both vaccination dates for the first and second shots.
• For expats in Qatar, the minimum age requirement is 40 years, with 10 years of residency in Qatar.
• For Qatari nationals and GCC residents residing in Qatar, the minimum age requirement is 18 years.
• The applicant must provide an ID card number with the card’s expiration date at the Hajj.gov.qa website along with their phone number.

Application Process

The application process for residents wishing to perform Hajj in Qatar includes the following steps:

1. Visit the Hajj.gov.qa website and provide your ID card number and phone number.
2. A message will be sent to your phone with a link to finalize your application.
3. Provide your passport and email details along with any other required information.
4. Indicate if you have any other individuals accompanying you and add them to the application.
5. Save and submit your application and receive a number to track its status online.

Timing and Results

The website will start accepting applications on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at 8 am and will last for a month until March 12, 2023. Results are expected to be announced from one week to ten days after the closing date.

The ministry has stated that it will try its best to monitor the Hajj package cost offered by certified Hajj travel agencies to help those wishing to perform their holy duty.

The application is open to as many people as possible, with the final number of total Hajj-goers being subject to the official allowed quota sent by the Saudi Arabian government.