Pakistan's federal cabinet has approved a new Private Hajj Policy for 2027 to 2030, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and service quality in the country's private Hajj sector. The Ministry of Religious Affairs proposed the policy, which was approved on June 19, 2026.

The new framework replaces the long-standing quota-based system with a performance and compliance-based mechanism. According to a ministry spokesperson, existing Hajj operators will have to undergo fresh evaluation and scrutiny before they can take part.

How the new system works

Under the policy, private Hajj quotas will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Each operator must secure bookings for at least 2,000 pilgrims. Companies that fail to meet this threshold will be declared inactive.

The policy also tightens the consequences for poor performers. Half of the security deposit of non-performing companies will be forfeited, and affected pilgrims will be automatically transferred to other operators. All Hajj companies will be independently evaluated and ranked by experts.

Private Hajj operators will be granted three-year licences. The sale and purchase of quotas, a practice long criticised for inflating costs, will be strictly prohibited. Authorities have pledged firm action against cartelisation and monopolistic practices in the sector.

A fully digital, cashless model

The ministry said all private Hajj operations will run through a fully digital system. Bookings will be processed exclusively through the Private Hajj Management Portal, which will be linked with the National Database and Registration Authority and the State Bank of Pakistan.

The policy bans cash bookings and cash transactions outright. Hajj companies will not be allowed to retain pilgrims' funds. Payments to Saudi service providers will be made directly, and all Hajj-related payments inside Saudi Arabia will be routed through an official State Bank account.

Officials said the framework is designed to enhance transparency, strengthen accountability and safeguard pilgrims' interests. They added that it aligns Pakistan's private Hajj system with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which has digitised much of the pilgrimage through the Nusuk and Masar Nusuk platforms.

The wider context

The reform lands as Saudi Arabia begins early preparations for the 2027 Hajj season. The Kingdom has set timelines for accommodation reservations, service contracting and mandatory staff training, all managed through its electronic platforms. Pakistani officials have separately said that bookings for Hajj 2027 could be completed within roughly two months, urging intending pilgrims to prepare early and secure valid travel documents.

Practical guidance for prospective pilgrims in Pakistan:

  • Prepare documents early. Ensure your passport remains valid well beyond the travel period and complete any pre-registration steps as soon as they open.
  • Use official channels only. Bookings must go through the Private Hajj Management Portal. Avoid any operator asking for cash payments, which are now banned.
  • Check operator rankings. Once published, the independent evaluations will help you choose a reliable, active company.
  • Keep digital records. A fully digital system means your booking, payment and visa records should all be traceable through the portal.

For Pakistani pilgrims, the most immediate benefit is the ban on quota trading and cash handling, two issues that have historically driven up costs and weakened accountability. By tying licences to performance and routing money through regulated channels, the policy aims to make the private Hajj experience safer and more predictable through 2030.