Saudi Arabia Reverses Hajj Age Ban, Allows Children Above 12 to Perform Pilgrimage
According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, children above the age of 12 are now once again permitted to perform Hajj. The decision comes shortly after authorities had imposed a sudden ban on pilgrims under 15 years of age.
Under the revised directive, visas that were previously rejected due to the age restriction will now be reprocessed. This move brings relief to many families, particularly in Pakistan, who were affected by the earlier decision.
The Directorate General of Hajj Pakistan has instructed applicants impacted by the temporary restriction to resubmit their applications in line with the updated policy.
Earlier, Saudi authorities had enforced strict age limitations for Hajj 2026, barring children under 15 from participating. However, the latest development marks a significant policy reversal, reinstating flexibility for families planning to undertake the pilgrimage.