ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The federal cabinet has approved the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ revised Private Hajj Policy 2027–2030, introducing a major overhaul of the system based on performance, compliance, and full digitisation.
According to the Ministry spokesperson, 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.
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.
Under the policy, underperforming companies will face suspension of 50% of their security deposits, and pilgrims registered with them will be automatically transferred to other operators.
All Hajj companies will be assessed and ranked by independent experts, while licences will be issued for a period of three years. The buying and selling of quotas has been strictly banned, along with cartel formation and monopolistic practices.
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.
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.
Authorities said all payments in Saudi Arabia will be routed through official State Bank accounts, ensuring transparency, accountability, and protection of pilgrims’ funds.
Officials added that the policy is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the overall protection of pilgrims.