Intending Hajj pilgrims have been instructed to complete biometric verification, as today (Sunday) marks the final deadline, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to a ministry spokesperson, pilgrims who fail to complete the biometric process will not be able to perform Hajj this year. The verification can be completed from home through the Saudi Visa Bio mobile application.
To facilitate pilgrims, Tasheer centres will remain open until 5:00 pm today. The ministry advised pilgrims to use the Saudi Visa Bio app to avoid long queues and congestion at centres.
Officials said that Hajj visas will not be issued without biometric verification. However, pilgrims aged above 80 years and above have been exempted from the biometric requirement.
Sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs said that for pilgrims over 80 years of age, facial and fingerprint scans will not be required.
After passport scanning, a confirmation email will be sent to the registered inbox, and pilgrims are advised to obtain a receipt once the process is completed.
Reporter: Usman Khan