Saudi Arabia(National times)- Intending Hajj pilgrims have been instructed to complete biometric verification through the Saudi Visa Bio app by Sunday, February 8, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced, warning that Hajj visas will not be issued without biometrics. A ministry spokesperson said pilgrims can verify fingerprints from home using the mobile application to avoid crowds and inconvenience. Pilgrims were also advised to keep their confirmation email secure after completing the process. To facilitate applicants, Tasheer centres will remain open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Pilgrims above 80 years of age have been exempted from biometric verification. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that Saudi Arabia will begin issuing Hajj visas globally from February 8. According to the Saudi Gazette, the early launch is part of an accelerated timeline aimed at improving services and pilgrim comfort under Vision 2030. So far, 750,000 pilgrims have registered, with 30,000 packages booked directly from home countries. Authorities have allocated around 485 camps for international pilgrims and confirmed that 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed contractual arrangements. In Pakistan, registration has been completed for 119,000 government pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf confirmed last month. He said preparations are underway in line with the Saudi schedule, with arrangements for food, transport and other services finalised through a competitive process. The minister also noted that during Hajj 2025, refunds worth Rs3.5 billion were returned to 75% of Pakistani pilgrims, ranging from Rs12,000 to Rs110,000 per person. Training sessions are being held at 147 locations nationwide to ensure discipline and readiness among pilgrims. According to Saudi Gazette, the early launch is part of an accelerated timeline designed to enhance service readiness and ensure the comfort of pilgrims approximately four months ahead of the rituals, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. 750,000 pilgrims have registered so far, with packages booked for 30,000 pilgrims directly from their home countries, it added. The ministry further said that approximately 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, and 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual arrangements.