38 more agencies get approval for Hajj operations

The government has given approval to 38 more agencies to participate in Hajj operations in 2027. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has published the list of eligible Hajj agencies in the sixth phase, subject to conditions. Earlier, in five phases, the government had allowed 642 agencies to take part in the upcoming Hajj operations.

Following the publication of the sixth-phase list on Tuesday, August 25, the ministry stated that if any agency on the list fails to register pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj season without valid reason, administrative action will be taken against it. Before pilgrim registration, the eligible agencies must form groups (alliances) within a stipulated time through mutual coordination. If an agency can, either individually or through coordination, fulfil the minimum quota of pilgrims per agency set by the Saudi government, that agency or lead agency will be able to send pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

It further stated that agencies must complete pilgrim registration by determining packages as announced in the e-Hajj system. This package will be considered the contract between the pilgrim and the agency. The package must mandatorily mention the services to be provided in Saudi Arabia, duration of stay, distance of hotels, and the package price.

Each agency must register a minimum of 44 pilgrims. If an agency manages to register the number of pilgrims equivalent to the quota for one guide, it can take part in a group. Otherwise, it must ensure pilgrims perform Hajj through transfer to another agency under a lead agency.

For every 44 pilgrims, an agency must appoint one Hajj guide who is proficient in Arabic, knowledgeable in information technology, and experienced in Hajj management. When adding a guide to the e-Hajj system, the guide's passport details and Hajj experience must be provided.

No unregistered individual can be taken to Saudi Arabia as a pilgrim. If any agency takes such initiative, its licence will be cancelled and necessary legal action will be taken without any opportunity for explanation. If any agency applies later with updated information, its name will be published in the next eligible list after verification.

If any complaint against an agency is proven and it is penalised after the publication of the eligible list, the agency's name will be removed from the list without any opportunity for explanation.

Agencies have been included in the eligible list on condition of licence renewal until June 2027. Agencies whose licences expire before June next year must apply for renewal within the stipulated time.

Additionally, each agency must submit its updated Hajj licence, travel licence, trade licence and income tax certificate and sign an agreement with the Director of Dhaka Hajj Office.

Pre-registration activities for all agencies other than those on the eligible list will remain suspended. If included in the eligible list later, the pre-registration activities of the concerned agency will be activated.