Ministry opted to prolong deadline for Hajj sponsorship scheme applications

3,161 applications have been submitted for the sponsorship scheme under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Ministry is contemplating extending the deadline for this particular scheme by a week. However, there are no indications of an extension for applications under the regular scheme, given that the quota has already been oversubscribed.

The sponsorship scheme, which aims to accumulate 21,839 applications, has only managed to garner 3,161 applications so far. This scheme offers the convenience of depositing hajj dues in US dollars and grants an exemption from the balloting process.

Aspiring Hajj participants have the opportunity to engage in the sacred ceremony through the sponsorship scheme. In contrast, the regular government Hajj scheme has received over 63,000 applications, with only one day remaining for submissions. Successful pilgrims under the regular scheme will be selected through a balloting process this year.