On Thursday, Libya’s General Authority for Hajj and Umrah Affairs announced that 743,878 citizens have registered for the 2025 Hajj lottery, which opened on October 17 and will run until November 17, 2024. The overwhelming interest reflects the enduring importance of the pilgrimage, despite ongoing economic challenges in the country.
According to the latest data, 444,391 men and 299,487 women have applied. Additionally, 146,454 of the registrants are over the age of 60, highlighting significant participation from the elderly, who view this pilgrimage as a priority due to its spiritual significance.
Digital platforms played a major role in facilitating the registration process. 345,585 applicants used the mobile app, while 398,293 registered through the web portal. A total of 41,004 registrations were canceled, possibly due to changes in personal circumstances or technical errors.
Libya’s embrace of digital solutions has made the registration process for Hajj more accessible and efficient. Citizens from across the country can now apply through a dedicated mobile app or website, reducing congestion at physical registration centers. This shift ensures transparency and convenience, aligning Libya with international best practices for managing high-demand religious events.
The high volume of applications demonstrates the deep-rooted desire among Libyans to perform Hajj, despite the economic constraints many families face. With the registration still open until mid-November, the number of applicants could rise further, surpassing previous records.
Although interest remains high, Libya’s final quota for Hajj pilgrims will depend on allocations provided by Saudi Arabia. These quotas are determined by population size and logistical factors, meaning that not all applicants will be selected to participate.
The lottery ensures fairness by giving each registrant an equal chance, though priority may be given to older applicants due to their limited chances of participating in future pilgrimages. The government is also working to coordinate affordable travel packages to make the pilgrimage accessible, particularly for the elderly and those with financial limitations.
The General Authority for Hajj and Umrah Affairs emphasized its commitment to conducting the lottery with transparency and ensuring a smooth process. Once registration closes on November 17, 2024, the lottery results will be announced, giving successful applicants sufficient time to make travel arrangements.
