Malaysia
Malaysia faces one of the most prolonged Hajj waiting periods globally. In 2023, reports indicated that the waiting time had reached up to 143 years. This long delay is mainly due to Malaysia’s limited annual Hajj quota of 31,600 slots, which falls far short of meeting the high demand, leaving over 3.8 million Muslims waiting.
The management of Hajj quotas in Malaysia is overseen by Tabung Haji, the country’s Hajj Pilgrims Fund Board. They are responsible for the registration process and ensuring that the allocated quotas are distributed fairly among applicants. Given the lengthy waiting periods, many applicants may not be able to undertake the pilgrimage within their lifetime.
Singapore
In Singapore, the Hajj waiting period is considerably shorter than in Malaysia but still significant. As of recent reports, the waiting time for prospective pilgrims is over 60 years. This prolonged delay is due to Singapore’s limited quota of around 900 slots, which falls short of meeting demand, with approximately 54,000 applicants currently in line.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) manages the Hajj registration and quota distribution. They have implemented a first-come, first-served system to ensure fairness in the selection process.
Indonesia
Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, faces significant challenges in managing Hajj applications. On average, Indonesian pilgrims wait 20 years for their turn, but in some areas, the wait can be as long as 47 years. This is because of regional quotas and the high number of applicants. Even though Indonesia has secured the largest Hajj quota in the world, with 221,000 slots for the 2025 (1446 Hijri) Hajj season, the demand far exceeds the available spots.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs oversees the Hajj quota management in Indonesia. They have been exploring solutions to reduce waiting times, such as negotiating for additional quotas and improving the efficiency of the selection process.
South Africa
In South Africa, the Hajj waiting period is approximately 10 years with annual quota of 2,500 slots. The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) is responsible for managing the Hajj process, including the allocation of quotas and the selection of pilgrims. The council operates a registration system that prioritizes applicants based on specific criteria, such as age and previous attempts to perform Hajj.
Due to the limited slots and high demand, many South African Muslims must plan their pilgrimage years in advance. SAHUC also works closely with travel operators and the Saudi authorities to ensure a smooth journey for those selected.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Hajj waiting period is just under 10 years, with an annual quota of 3,600 slots. The British Hajj Delegation, in collaboration with licensed Hajj tour operators, manages the quota distribution and selection process. Applicants are typically chosen through a combination of first-come, first-served and lottery-based systems to ensure fairness.
Due to the limited number of slots, British Muslims are encouraged to register early and stay updated on changes in the selection process. The delegation also provides support services, including health and safety guidance, to assist pilgrims throughout their journey.
The world
Globally, the challenge of accommodating all Muslims for the Hajj pilgrimage is immense. With an estimated 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide and an annual Hajj capacity of approximately 3 million pilgrims, it would take at least 581 years for every Muslim alive today to complete the pilgrimage. This calculation highlights the overwhelming demand and the constraints imposed by logistical and safety considerations.
Saudi Arabia allocates Hajj quotas based on each country’s Muslim population, yet demand consistently exceeds supply. This is why, despite being the fifth pillar of Islam, Hajj is only obligatory for those who are physically, financially, and logistically able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. Those fortunate enough to go should prepare thoroughly and educate themselves to fulfill this sacred duty, as an accepted Hajj carries no reward except Paradise.
Additional reports from the wego
