Pakistan Unveils New Hajj Policy, Regulatory Reforms for 2027–2030
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Pakistan has unveiled a new Private Hajj Policy for 2027–2030, introducing sweeping regulatory reforms designed to strengthen governance, improve transparency and enhance service delivery for pilgrims travelling through the country’s private Hajj scheme.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony officially notified the policy on June 15 after the Federal Cabinet approved the framework on May 14.
The policy will govern private Hajj operations from 2027 to 2030 and aligns Pakistan’s pilgrimage management with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The new framework limits Hajj operations to companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and licensed under the Hajj and Umrah (Regulation) Act, 2024.
It replaces the traditional quota-driven model with a compliance-based system that emphasizes financial accountability, corporate governance and operational performance.
A key feature of the policy is the introduction of mandatory third-party accreditation for both new and existing Hajj operators.
Pakistan Unveils New Hajj Policy, Regulatory Reforms for 2027–2030
Independent experts will assess companies’ financial capacity, operational capability, corporate governance, service infrastructure and readiness to deliver services in Saudi Arabia before determining their licensing status and operational tier.
The government has also made the Private Hajj Management Portal (PHMP) compulsory for operator registration, pilgrim bookings, quota management and payment verification.
Each pilgrim will receive a unique Hajj identification number linked to identity and payment records, while all financial transactions will pass through a government account maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan.
To strengthen operational discipline, the policy requires every licensed operator to register at least 2,000 pilgrims annually.
Companies that fail to meet the threshold will lose their operational status, forfeit part of their security deposits and have their pilgrims reassigned to eligible operators.
The reforms also prohibit quota trading, resale, outsourcing and cartel practices while introducing digital performance ratings, mandatory service provider agreements, structured complaint resolution mechanisms and enhanced welfare standards aimed at improving the overall Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims.
