Pilgrims to choose Hajj year of their choice under new four-year policy

• New Hajj policy aligned with Saudi Vision 2030: minister.
• Says govt, private Hajj quotas remain at 60% and 40%.
• Minister says all stages of Hajj process will be fully digital.
  

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf on Wednesday announced that for the first time, pilgrims will be able to choose their preferred Hajj year in advance under a four-year Hajj registration and waiting list system.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the religious affairs minister said pilgrims would be able to register for the Hajj year of their choice by depositing an estimated 10% of the Hajj expenses at the time of registration.

He said that the four-year Hajj Policy (2027–2030) is aimed at ensuring transparent and digital governance, accountability, merit and improved logistical facilities for pilgrims.

“This is not only a policy but the beginning of fundamental and lasting reforms in Hajj arrangements,” he added.

The minister said three to four-year contracts could be signed for accommodation, transport, catering, air travel and cargo services, which would improve the quality of facilities while reducing costs.

Sardar Yousuf said that all stages of the Hajj process — from registration to grievance redressal and post-Hajj review — would be carried out through a completely digital system.

Sharing details of the quota system, he said the quota for the government and private Hajj schemes would remain at 60% and 40% respectively, from 2027 to 2030, unless revised by the federal cabinet.

He said the government would gradually transition to the role of regulator, monitor and quality assurer, rather than directly managing Hajj arrangements, while the involvement of the private sector would increase.

Regarding the selection process, he said pilgrims would be selected on a “first come, first served” basis through a fully transparent digital waiting list.

He added that multiple Hajj packages of varying durations would be introduced under the Government Hajj Scheme, enabling pilgrims to choose according to their needs and convenience.

Sardar Yousuf said all procurement and contracts would be awarded transparently in accordance with government procurement rules in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He further said that if any amount remained from the Hajj dues collected after the completion of Hajj operations, it would be refunded to the pilgrims.

The minister said both public and private Hajj arrangements would be reviewed impartially by an independent third party to further improve the quality of services.

He added that the registration and monitoring of private Hajj companies would be based on their performance and compliance with prescribed service standards rather than quota allocation alone.