The government had opened up a sposorship scheme to raise more dollars for this year’s Hajj but the actual amounts received have fallen short of expectations.

Against the total government quota of 43,308 the government has received 72,869 applications. However, despite the large number of applications received the government fears it might have to return some of the quota back to Saudi Arabia, the religious affairs minstry’s secretary said.

• Read: Government will make Hajj easier if you pay in dollars

The ministry has also asked the finance ministry for an additional $33 million for Haj operations.

Ministry officials also said that they will receive details of Haj applications from banks by April 4.