The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs has announced the opening of electronic registration for Haj from October 23 and continues until Sunday (November 5, 2023).
The website www.hajj.om will accept applications until November 5. Both citizens and expatriates can register to perform Haj in 2024. During the last Haj in July 2023, Oman has sent 14,000 pilgrims.
Speaking to the Observer, Ali al Hattali, ministry spokesperson, said the online portal received as many as 33,536 applications, including 29,930 requests from Omanis, and 3,606 from residents for this year's Haj, which was held in the first week of June this year. Registration was closed on March 5.
"However, only 14,000 pilgrims from Oman were able to perform Haj in 2023 through the ministry as the agreement with the General Authority for Awqaf (GAA) of Saudi Arabia stipulated the allowed quota for the same," he added.
Less than 50 per cent of the total registered for Haj were able to fulfil religious rituals last year through Awqaf, as 33,356 people had registered when the online portal closed the registration process.
Eligible people, sorted electronically to perform Haj this year, will be contacted directly. They will have five days to contract through the electronic system with Haj companies.
Priority will be given to elderly, cancer patients and disabled people who wish to perform Haj this year.
"Preference will be given to first-timers also, and the Ministry will contact selected people," he added.
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