Muscat: The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) issued a clarification regarding the organised mechanism for determining Hajj eligibility through the electronic registration system in the Sultanate of Oman.
According to the ministry, priority will be given to pilgrims suffering from cancer and their companions.
The overall quota allocated to each governorate is determined based on population density, after which the percentage of eligibility is distributed among the applicants as follows:
40 per cent for those who have previously applied for Hajj four times, three times and then two times, with age as a consideration.
60 per cent for first-time applicants, with preference given to older applicants and those with family responsibilities.
The ministry further clarified that family eligibility will apply if one family member has been granted a Hajj spot; the accompanying family member from the same household will share the same level of eligibility, irrespective to their ages.
Additionally, 2 per cent of each governorate’s quota is allocated to carry out Hajj on behalf of the deceased as per documented wills, while 1 per cent is reserved for performing Hajj on behalf of the deceased without a will, prioritising earlier dates of death.
MERA emphasised that voluntary Hajj applications will be accepted in the following cases:
When the applicant is a mahram (guardian) for another eligible pilgrim.
When the applicant’s companion is a person with mobility, visual, or other major disabilities, or
for older citizens aged 67 and above for men and 65 and above for women.
The ministry reaffirmed that all applications will be processed according to the electronic system, ensuring fairness and transparency across all governorates.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
