Banks to remain open on weekend for Hajj application

The religious affairs ministry on Friday announced that the 14 designated banks collecting Hajj applications across the country would remain open on the weekend – Saturday and Sunday (March 25 and 26).

Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt told APP that the decision had been taken in view of the paucity of time and due to a large number of people, who intended to submit their Hajj applications and dues in the banks during the off days.

“It will also help the overseas Pakistanis apply under the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme, which takes almost two to three business days to transfer funds from abroad in the foreign currency account of the religious affairs ministry,” he said.

Butt said that in response to a ministry’s letter, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had advised the designated financial institutions to remain open from 9am to 2pm on this particular weekend for smooth sailing of Hajj operation.

Informing about Hajj application receipts, Butt said the ministry had received more than 26,000 applications by March 22.

Under the sponsorship scheme, the number of applicants seeking foreign exchange from abroad had increased to more than 2,000, he added.

He said that the overseas Pakistanis could also submit a health certificate issued from abroad in the bank or they could furnish a medical fitness certificate before their Hajj flight. He added those who had not yet received the coronavirus vaccine, could also submit the application.

“However, they will have the full dose of the vaccine and submit the certificate to the banks before their departure to Saudi Arabia. Apart from NADRA [National Database and Registration Authority], a foreign vaccine certificate would also be acceptable,” he maintained.

Butt made it clear that it was not necessary for the person sending sponsorship to have a blood relation with the pilgrim. But, he added, it was essential to send the name, Computerised National Identity Card number, and contact number of the pilgrim along with the money, he added.

Butt said that overseas applicants under the regular scheme should submit their applications in the bank through their nominated persons here in Pakistan, adding that in order to receive the possible savings in the package, they needed to open a bank account after arriving in Pakistan.