RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Friday announced the launch of the second and final phases of the registration on the electronic path for this year's Hajj. Registration for the final phase of selecting pilgrims will continue up to 10 p.m. until July 9 (Dhul Qada 29). The ministry confirmed that the final acceptance depends on the fulfillment of requirements, criteria and availability of spaces. The ministry said it has sent text messages to those who qualified for Hajj in various categories for the second phase of registration on the electronic path of Hajj this year. The selected pilgrims now need to access the electronic portal to verify their personal data and accept the terms and conditions. The ministry also pointed that qualified pilgrims can add one companion who previously applied for the Hajj registration and then review the available packages and book the appropriate package. Then, they need to pay service fees through SADAD electronic payment system. The last step in the process is the issuance of Hajj permits. The ministry announced earlier that the electronic track for domestic pilgrims received more than 540,000 applications from citizens and residents until 10 p.m. on Thursday. A total of 60,000 domestic pilgrims, including citizens and residents, will be picked from out of more than 540,000 aspiring pilgrims for this year's Hajj. Among the applicants, men account for 59 percent and women make up for 41 percent, according to the ministry. It added that around 38 percent of applicants belong to the age group of 31 and 40 years while the age group above 60 years is the lowest with two percent.
