ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Friday formally approved Private Hajj Policy 2027–2030, introducing a major overhaul of the system based on performance, compliance, and full digitization.
As per the spokesperson of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the new framework replaces the traditional quota system with a merit-based and compliance-driven mechanism. Existing Hajj operators will undergo mandatory re-evaluation under the new policy.
Under the new regulations, the private Hajj quota will now be allocated on a “first come, first served” basis, while each operator must secure bookings for at least 2,000 pilgrims. Companies failing to meet this threshold will be declared inactive.
Moreover, underperforming companies will face suspension of 50% of their security deposits, and pilgrims registered with them will be automatically transferred to other operators. Hajj companies will be assessed and ranked by independent experts. Licenses will be issued for a period of three years. The buying and selling of quotas has been strictly banned, he added.
The spokesperson said all private Hajj operations will be conducted through a fully digital system. Bookings will only be processed via the Private Hajj Management Portal (PHMP), which will be linked with NADRA and the State Bank of Pakistan.
The official maintained that the manual booking and cash transactions have been completely prohibited. Hajj companies will not be allowed to hold pilgrims’ funds, as payments to Saudi service providers will be made directly through the State Bank’s official mechanism.
Apart from that it has also been decided that all payments in Saudi Arabia will be routed through official State Bank accounts, ensuring transparency, accountability, and protection of pilgrims’ funds. This new policy is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the overall protection of pilgrims. The spokesperson believed the reforms would significantly improve transparency, financial discipline, and consumer protection.
