Islamabad May 4 2022: Government is expecting substantial increase in expenditures related to Hajj as the Authorities of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has raised fees and taxes on different facilities, says Minister of Religious Affairs.
"There are several options under consideration regarding increase in cost of Hajj by the Authorities of KSA, so we should expect an estimated cost of Rs 700,000 to Rs 1,000,000 for Hajj" he added.
KSA has significantly reduced the overall Hajj pilgrims to 45 percent or 1,000,000 people according to which Pakistan Share is 81,132. Out of this, 40 percent quota has been kept for government Hajj Scheme while 60 percent will be distributed among private Hajj Operators.
Government is taking Hajj applications from 1st May to 13th of May with token money of Rs 50,000 and applications can also be submitted through online portol.
This time around KSA has set 65 years as an upper limit to perform hajj and pilgrims should be vaccinated with prescribed dose of COVID-19 vaccination along with its booster dose. PCR test should be conducted 72 hours prior to departure.
The passport and ID card must have validation period of six months and submission of health certificate is also mandatory.
