The Ministry of Religious Affairs is set to begin accepting applications for the government Hajj scheme under a new policy in mid-November.

A total of 89,605 pilgrims will be allowed to undertake Hajj, with 5,000 participants benefiting from a sponsorship scheme, while the remaining will go under the regular scheme.

Minister of Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain is expected to officially announce the details of the Hajj policy next week.

In a significant development for prospective pilgrims, the new policy will allow for the Hajj package fees to be paid in installments.

Sources from the Ministry indicate that instead of a lump sum, the fees will be divided into three installments. An initial payment of 200,000 rupees will be required with the Hajj application.

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Following the Hajj lottery, an additional payment of 400,000 rupees will be necessary, with the total fees expected to be collected by the second week of February.

However, individuals with serious health conditions will be ineligible to participate in Hajj.