Iraqi Hajj authority says no date set yet for this year's electronic Hajj lottery

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Supreme Hajj and Umrah Authority said August 15 has not been set as the date for this year's electronic Hajj lottery. The authority said the lottery date has not yet been finalized and that the official date will be announced later through its official channels. The authority also reminded applicants that changes to application forms and family reunification requests will be accepted until tomorrow evening. Officials noted that the electronic application process opened on July 13 and that applications are being accepted for Hajj lotteries covering the years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030. According to the statement, the lottery system will prioritize elderly applicants and will operate on the principles of "justice and transparency." The authority added that the mechanism for selecting successful candidates will be detailed in a later announcement. No further details were immediately available.