Pakistan Origin Card (POC) holders will be able to perform Hajj through the official Hajj quota for the first time, after Saudi Arabia approved their inclusion in the country’s allocation, sources said.
According to sources, one percent of Pakistan’s overall Hajj quota will be reserved for POC holders, who will be able to avail both government and private Hajj schemes. The arrangement marks the first time overseas Pakistanis who have relinquished their Pakistani citizenship and passport will be granted this facility.
Sources said Saudi authorities have permitted POC holders to be counted within Pakistans Hajj quota, under which 1,792 POC holders will perform Hajj through Pakistans allocation for the first time this year.
The Pakistan Origin Card is issued to individuals of Pakistani descent who have taken foreign nationality and surrendered their Pakistani citizenship, allowing them certain rights and privileges linked to their heritage.
Its extension to Hajj arrangements gives this category of overseas Pakistanis access to a religious obligation that was previously available only to Pakistani citizens and Overseas Pakistanis holding a valid Pakistani passport or NICOP.
Officials said the decision reflects continued coordination between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Hajj arrangements, with both public and private operators expected to accommodate the newly eligible applicants under the revised quota structure.
