The ministry made this clarification on Thursday while responding to some applicants’ queries regarding the reason for a change in the packages chosen by them when the ministry published the results of the e-draw on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Hajj explained that the reason for the change in the package was that the e-draw was unable to choose any of the packages previously preferred by the applicants. The ministry noted that another package was suggested through the draw system so as to give an opportunity under which the applicant will have the option either to accept the package for which they were nominated or wait for the next draw for choosing their preferred package.

The ministry announced on Wednesday that 297,444 citizens and residents had registered in the e-draw for the Hajj of 2022. The applicants comprised 62 percent men and 38 percent women.

The ministry said the process of screening and nomination of pilgrims was completed and the qualified applicants for the upcoming Hajj were being contacted through text messages to review the application and complete the registration process. The ministry revealed that those who were not lucky in the e-draw would have a chance in the next draw once alternative or additional seats become available.

In a press statement, the ministry said the total number of completed applications exceeded 217,000 through the Eatmarna app and the e-portal for domestic pilgrims. As a result, SMS messages are being sent to qualified applicants to make the payment through designated payment methods within 48 hours.

The highest percentage of applicants (38 percent) belongs to the age group of 31-40, followed by those in the age group of 21-30, representing 23 percent. While 21 percent of applicants were between the ages of 41 and 50 years, 12 percent belonged to the age group of 51-65. The least number of applicants belongs to the under-20 age group.