Federal Cabinet Approves New Private Hajj Policy 2027–2030
Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved a new Private Hajj Policy for 2027–2030, introducing major reforms to improve transparency, accountability, and regulation of private Hajj operators. The decision comes after a major crisis during Hajj 2025, when around 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims were unable to perform Hajj due to the failure of several private operators to meet Saudi Arabia’s payment deadlines and contractual requirements. The situation led to strong public criticism, parliamentary scrutiny, and an official inquiry ordered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the new policy replaces the existing quota system with a performance-based and compliance-driven framework to ensure only capable and financially stable companies are allowed to operate. All private Hajj operators will now undergo a fresh evaluation process, and companies that fail to meet the required standards will be declared inactive, strengthening oversight and reducing risks for pilgrims.
A key reform under the policy is the requirement for each operator to secure bookings for at least 2,000 pilgrims. This step is aimed at ensuring operational capacity and financial stability, preventing smaller or unprepared companies from causing disruptions. The government has also introduced an independent assessment and ranking system, where external experts will evaluate Hajj companies to provide greater transparency and help pilgrims make informed decisions.
Licences for private Hajj operators will now be issued for a period of three years, creating a more structured and accountable regulatory environment. In addition, the policy introduces a complete digital transformation of private Hajj operations. Operators will no longer be allowed to directly handle pilgrims’ funds, and all payments will be processed through official banking channels to minimize the risk of fraud, delays, and financial mismanagement.
Officials stated that these reforms are designed to protect pilgrims and restore public confidence in the private Hajj system. The policy also aligns Pakistan’s Hajj management framework with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 reforms, ensuring better coordination and compliance with international standards. Overall, the Private Hajj Policy 2027–2030 is seen as a significant step toward ensuring a smoother, more transparent, and reliable Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims in the future.