Kurdistan Hajj office reviewing applications, urges registrants to verify details

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Region’s Hajj and Umrah office said it is currently reviewing the names of applicants for next year’s Hajj pilgrimage and urged thousands of registrants to confirm their information to avoid disqualification.

The office said 6,556 people have been notified via mobile, WhatsApp, and Viber messages to correct or verify their details. “Those who have received messages must review and confirm their information as soon as possible,” the office said in a statement. “Anyone who fails to do so will lose the right to participate in the Hajj lottery.”

According to the office, out of 59,389 submitted applications, about 46,507 have already been reviewed and are ready for the next phase. The verification process will conclude in the coming days, after which the final list of names will be prepared for the lottery draw.

The statement also clarified that individuals who have previously performed Hajj are not eligible to register again, saying the rule is based on fairness and equal opportunity for all citizens of the Kurdistan Region.

The Hajj and Umrah office said the lottery to select pilgrims will take place later this month once the review process is completed.

This year marks the first time the Kurdistan Region has used an digital registration system. Previously, applicants were required to visit offices in person, fill out paper forms, and pay a 25,000-dinar ($17.60) submission fee.