Syria Holds Hajj Lottery for 1448 AH Season in Deir ez-Zor
The Syrian Ministry of Awqaf’s Administration of Hajj and Umrah held the official Hajj lottery for the 1448 AH (2027 AD) season this past Saturday. The proceedings took place at the Euphrates University amphitheater in Deir ez-Zor province, as part of ongoing efforts to organize the pilgrimage and distribute available quotas through transparent mechanisms intended to ensure fairness for all applicants.
According to official data from the Ministry of Awqaf, a total of 71,257 people applied for the Hajj season this year. The official Syrian quota is set at 22,500 pilgrims, supplemented by 525 spots allocated under a grant from the President of the Republic, and 175 spots provided through a grant from the Emir of Qatar.
The Ministry organized the lottery by dividing applicants into three specific age brackets: the first group consisting of those born between 1959 and 1970; the second, those born between 1971 and 1980; and the third, those born between 1981 and 1997. The administration noted that in a previous phase, 13,234 pilgrims from the oldest age group (born between 1925 and 1958) had already been accepted, representing 65 percent of the total Syrian quota.
The results of Saturday’s lottery confirm the acceptance of all applicants born in 1961 and 1970, as well as those born in January 1965 from the first age bracket. Within the second bracket, all applicants born in 1980 were accepted, alongside those born between January and April 1972. For the third bracket, the selection included all applicants born in 1987 and 1989, as well as those born in January 1990.
During the event, Assistant Minister of Awqaf, Samer Berqdar, emphasized that the Hajj portfolio has seen significant development over recent years. He stated that the administration utilizes standardized criteria for managing the lottery and is actively evaluating past experiences to enhance services provided to pilgrims. He further noted that the Ministry is committed to finalizing all arrangements for each Hajj season, aiming to ensure no outstanding issues are carried over to subsequent years.
The previous season, 1447 AH, saw the successful facilitation of 24,500 Syrian pilgrims, following a decision to increase the Syrian quota by 2,000 additional visas. Preparations for the current season are ongoing to ensure streamlined procedures and the delivery of high-quality services for all pilgrims.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
