The federal cabinet has approved the private Hajj policy 2027–2030, introducing a new system for private Hajj operations based on performance, transparency and compliance instead of the quota system.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs spokesperson said the new policy makes the re-evaluation of existing Hajj operators mandatory. Private Hajj quotas will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The spokesperson said private Hajj operators will be required to secure bookings for at least 2,000 pilgrims. Companies falling below this threshold will be declared inactive.
Half of the security deposit of unsuccessful companies will be forfeited, while their pilgrims will be transferred automatically to other companies.
Under the new policy, all Hajj companies will undergo independent assessment and grading by experts. Licences will be issued for a period of three years.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs said the sale and purchase of Hajj quotas will be prohibited, while strict action will be taken against cartelisation and monopolistic practices.
The spokesperson said private Hajj operations will be conducted entirely through a digital system. Hajj bookings will be processed only through the Private Hajj Management Portal, which will be linked with NADRA and the State Bank of Pakistan.
The policy also prohibits manual bookings and cash transactions. Hajj companies will not be permitted to retain pilgrims’ funds. Payments to Saudi service providers will be made directly, while all Hajj-related payments in Saudi Arabia will be processed through the State Bank of Pakistan’s official account.
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