New multi-year Hajj policy introduces cashless transactions, Hajj savings scheme, women travelling without Mahram, and stricter rules for private Hajj operators.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has approved a comprehensive Hajj Policy 2027-2030, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at making Pakistan’s Hajj operations more transparent, affordable, and efficient over the next four years.

The newly introduced 16-page policy framework focuses on long-term planning, digital transformation, improved pilgrim services, and stricter regulation of private Hajj operators while ensuring greater financial protection for pilgrims.

Long-Term Contracts to Reduce Hajj Costs

As part of the new strategy, Pakistan will pursue three- to four-year agreements with service providers in Saudi Arabia for essential Hajj services, including airline travel, accommodation, transportation, catering, and baggage handling.

Officials believe that securing long-term contracts will help reduce operational costs, improve planning, and ensure consistent service quality for Pakistani pilgrims.

Government and Private Hajj Quota

Under the revised policy, 60 percent of Pakistan’s annual Hajj quota will remain under the Government Hajj Scheme, while the remaining 40 percent will be allocated to licensed private Hajj operators.

The ministry said the quota distribution is intended to maintain a balanced and transparent Hajj management system.

Cashless Hajj Transactions Introduced

The government has decided to completely eliminate paper-based financial transactions during the Hajj process.

All payments related to Hajj will now be processed digitally through the State Bank of Pakistan and integrated online payment platforms, enhancing transparency, reducing fraud, and improving financial accountability.

Hajj Savings Scheme for Future Pilgrims

A major feature of the new policy is the launch of a Hajj Savings Scheme, allowing prospective pilgrims to register several years in advance.

Applicants will be required to deposit 10 percent of the estimated Hajj cost to reserve their preferred year of travel. Registrations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, giving early applicants priority.

Pilgrims opting for the Government Hajj Scheme will be able to choose between a 38 to 42-day standard package or a 20 to 25-day short-duration package.

The ministry also confirmed that any unused operational funds remaining after the completion of Hajj operations will be refunded directly to pilgrims.

Women Can Perform Hajj Without Mahram

The new policy introduces an important social reform by allowing women to perform Hajj without a Mahram (male guardian), provided they submit an official undertaking in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Officials said the move aligns Pakistan’s Hajj policy with updated Saudi guidelines.

Stricter Rules for Private Hajj Companies

To improve accountability within the private Hajj sector, the ministry has introduced strict anti-monopoly measures.

Private operators will no longer be allowed to buy, sell, or lease Hajj quotas, a practice the government says contributed to market manipulation.

All private Hajj companies must:

• Register with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
• Use the official Private Hajj Management Portal
• Maintain prescribed financial reserves
• Submit a 5 percent performance guarantee
• Obtain a three-year operating licence

Companies failing to serve at least 2,000 pilgrims will lose their operational status, forfeit half of their security deposit, and have their registered pilgrims transferred to other approved operators.

Greater Focus on Pilgrim Welfare

The policy also strengthens pilgrim safety and preparedness through mandatory training sessions covering Hajj rituals, Saudi regulations, health guidelines, emergency procedures, and the use of official digital applications.

Welfare assistants (Moawineen) will now be selected strictly on merit under criteria approved by the Cabinet Committee on Private Hajj Policy.

Financial Protection Through Takaful Scheme

To enhance financial security, the government has introduced the Takaful-based Hujjaj Muhafiz Scheme, funded through a non-refundable contribution of Rs1,000 from each pilgrim.

The scheme will provide:

• Rs2 million compensation to the family of a pilgrim who dies during Hajj.
• Rs250,000 for emergency medical evacuation when required.

Emergency Response Mechanism

The ministry has also established a dedicated Emergency Response Team under the Director-General of Hajj to coordinate crisis management and emergency assistance during the pilgrimage.

Additionally, the federal minister has been authorized to make necessary policy adjustments whenever Saudi authorities introduce new Hajj regulations or operational requirements.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs said the Hajj Policy 2027-2030 marks a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan’s Hajj management system by improving transparency, reducing costs, embracing digital technology, and ensuring better services and protection for pilgrims.