Doha, October 28 (QNA) - The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, represented by its Hajj and Umrah Affairs Department, announced the extension of the registration period for the Hajj season of 1447 AH until November 15.

In a statement today, the Ministry stated that registration will continue via the Ministry's official website (hajj.gov.qa) until the new deadline, which will be approximately two weeks from now.

Director of Awqaf's Hajj and Umrah Affairs Department Ali bin Sultan Al Misifri said that the extension decision came in response to the great public response to the early registration campaign launched by the Ministry in early October.

Al Misifri explained that the increasing turnout reflects the eagerness of those wishing to register to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, as well as the public's confidence in the services and outstanding organization provided by the Qatari Hajj Mission annually.

He emphasized that obtaining a medical fitness certificate (medically fit) is a necessary step before registering, as no one will be able to register online without this certificate accredited by health centers across the country, noting that this is one of the requirements set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to ensure the health and safety of the pilgrim to properly perform the rituals.

He also reiterated that the initial amount of QR 10,000 paid through the electronic system upon selecting a campaign, is not a registration fee, but rather an advance payment deducted from the total cost of the Hajj trip, based on the level of services specified by each campaign in terms of accommodation, transportation, and meals.

Al Misifri confirmed that the number of licensed and approved Hajj campaigns for this season is 27, urging those wishing to register to contact the Hajj and Umrah Affairs Department directly for inquiries or to submit any complaints via the hotline (132).

The Director of the Hajj and Umrah Affairs Department indicated that Qatar's quota for this year's Hajj season is 4,400 pilgrims, and that the Awqaf Ministry has coordinated with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the schedules and procedures related to the electronic Hajj portal, ensuring smooth organization of pilgrim journeys and the provision of the best possible services for Qatari pilgrims. (QNA)