Iraq Hajj Commission opens electronic pilgrimage lottery registration

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Hajj Commission said on Tuesday that electronic registration for the pilgrimage lottery will open on Wednesday, with applications restricted to citizens aged 45 and over. Commission head Sami Massoudi told a news conference that eligibility will be assessed based on the applicant's place of residence. Applicants will be required to provide a national identification number and a facial photograph, Massoudi said. Those who have previously performed the Hajj, as well as individuals who won a prior lottery but waived their slot, will not be eligible to apply in this cycle, he added. Massoudi said multiple applications will not be permitted and winners will not be allowed to transfer their allocation to another person. Selected pilgrims will undergo health verification through specially formed medical commissions before departure. Lottery quotas will be distributed across Iraqi provinces according to census data, with applicants held responsible for the accuracy of the information they submit, Massoudi said. Successful applicants will be announced through the commission's official website and verified channels.