In a landmark announcement, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu confirmed that all individuals currently on the Hajj Corporation’s waiting list will have the opportunity to perform the sacred pilgrimage this year. This marks a historic development, as it is the first time in years that every applicant on the waiting list will be accommodated within their expected year of travel.
The announcement was made in a post on the President’s official social media account on Sunday night. The President’s statement highlighted that this milestone comes after significant reforms aimed at addressing the frustrations experienced by many prospective pilgrims in the past.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs made an important shift last year, centralizing the Hajj arrangements and placing the Hajj Corporation as the sole body responsible for organizing the annual pilgrimage. The move put an end to the previously fragmented quota system, which saw pilgrims paying the Hajj Corporation but unable to travel due to complicated quotas allocated among multiple providers.
This change comes on the heels of a revision in the Hajj policy announced by President Muizzu on January 5, 2025. The new system prioritizes first-time pilgrims and introduces several new measures to make the process more equitable. Under this new framework, the “pay first, go first” system was replaced, and now, a portion of the Hajj quota is specifically designated for those over the age of 65 who have not yet performed the pilgrimage.
To further accommodate elderly applicants, the revised guidelines offer additional support. Those aged 75 and above will be provided with an assistant, depending on their health conditions. Preference will be given to family members who have never performed Hajj; if no family member is available, an assistant who has previously completed the pilgrimage may be assigned, but only if no first-time pilgrims are available to accompany them.
For those who have already performed Hajj, the new policy stipulates that they will only be eligible to participate again after a gap of five Hijri years, ensuring that first-time applicants are prioritized.
According to the Hajj Corporation, the current waiting list stands at 9,115 applicants. This includes 7,543 individuals under the age of 65, 1,461 aged between 65 and 75, and 111 who are 75 years or older. Of these, 8,623 are first-time applicants, a majority of whom are under the age of 65.
The President’s announcement has been welcomed by many, as it demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring that all eligible applicants are given the opportunity to fulfill one of the most important religious duties in Islam.
