Pilgrims allowed to pay fee in installments in Hajj Policy 2025

Government Hajj scheme offers stays from 20-42 days, while private groups must have at least 2,000 pilgrims.

Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced the Hajj Policy for 2025, introducing an instalment plan for pilgrims to pay their Hajj fees.

The minister revealed that the Hajj quota would be split equally, with 89,605 seats allocated to both government and private Hajj schemes. Additionally, 5,000 seats will be reserved for the government’s sponsorship scheme, and 30,000 seats will be allocated to private tour operators for sponsorship.

Speaking about the sponsorship scheme, Hussain clarified that participation would require sending foreign exchange through banking channels, and the scheme would operate on a "first-come, first-served" basis, exempt from balloting.

The foreign exchange collected through the scheme will be used exclusively for Hajj-related expenses in Saudi Arabia.

For the Government Hajj Scheme, the traditional long stay will range from 38 to 42 days, while a shorter stay of 20 to 25 days will also be available. Each private Hajj group must consist of a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims, as per Saudi regulations.

Regarding costs, Hussain stated that the estimated cost for the Government Hajj Scheme in 2025 would range between Rs1,075,000 and Rs1,175,000, with an additional Rs55,000 for the sacrifice.

Pilgrims opting for double-bed or triple-bed accommodation in Makkah will need to deposit an extra Rs220,000 or Rs75,000, respectively.

Hajj applicants are required to pay a first instalment of Rs200,000 along with their application, with the second instalment of Rs400,000 due within ten days of balloting. The remaining amount must be paid by February 10, 2025.

Hussain also outlined the refund process: there will be no deductions for withdrawals before the last submission date, but a deduction of Rs50,000 will apply if an application is withdrawn after balloting.

A Rs200,000 deduction will be made if the third instalment is not deposited. No refunds will be issued after February 10, unless the applicant passes away.

Hajj applications will be accepted from November 18 to December 3, with balloting scheduled for December 6.