Details of the 1405 Hajj visa process and Umrah departures for Ramadan

The Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation has announced that the visa process for the upcoming Hajj is underway, with Umrah departures for Ramadan scheduled between 7 February and 30 March.

During a meeting of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation’s board of directors, Ali Reza Rashidian reflected on his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, stating that a thorough assessment of the Umrah pilgrimage operations had been conducted. He described the overall performance as successful, noting that the few issues and concerns identified have either been resolved or are currently being addressed.

Regarding the visa process for the upcoming Hajj, Rashidian reported that as of Sunday, the details for over 20,000 pilgrims had been processed to generate the necessary reference numbers for visa issuance. He confirmed that this process is ongoing and must be completed by 1 February, with staff working around the clock to meet the deadline.

On the subject of Umrah pilgrimages during the holy month of Ramadan, Rashidian explained that departures are scheduled from 7 February to 30 March. He noted that there is a capacity for over 52,000 pilgrims during this period, with further details regarding the departure process to be announced. Rashidian also instructed officials to expedite the communication of registration and departure procedures for Iranians living abroad, ensuring they can travel to the holy sites during the month of Sha'ban.

Addressing the Atabat pilgrimage (visits to holy sites in Iraq), the head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation emphasised the need for effective planning and the creation of travel packages tailored to the anticipated surge in demand during the upcoming month of Sha'ban. Following these remarks, officials presented reports on the progress of preparations for Hajj, Umrah, and Atabat.

Dr Seyed Ali Marashi, head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Medical Centre, provided an update on medical examinations, stating that 79,000 pilgrims have been referred to doctors to assess their physical fitness for the Hajj. While a significant number have been cleared, a small minority have not yet received approval. Dr Marashi added that only 335 individuals have been deemed physically unfit so far. He noted that these cases may be referred to a national commission for review if the individuals lodge an appeal, where they will be assessed by experienced physicians; if they are subsequently found to be fit, they will be granted permission to perform the Hajj.