Hajj Policy 2018: New Restrictions, Packages & Rules Announced

Government has finally announced the Hajj Policy 2018 and added that it will start receiving applications for Hajj from 15th January, 2018.

The deadline to submit applications for processing will be 24th January.

New Hajj Policy Details

There are only a handful of changes in new policy from previous ones. Following points will cover the new Hajj policy:

Cost of Hajjpackage for Northern region: Rs. 280,000.
Cost for Southern region: Rs. 270,000.
Hajj quota for Pakistanis: 179,210. Cost and quota are same as last year’s.
Rs. 13,050 extra will be submitted for animal sacrifice.
Government will manage 120,000 pilgrims while private tour companies will handle rest.
10,000 seats have been reserved for citizens over 80 years of age. They will also be accompanied by one attendant.
Draws will be held on 26th January for successful applications.
People who have failed to get their names selected in draws for at least three times will have an additional chance this year. 10,000 seats have been set aside for people who qualify for this case.
Anyone who has already performed pilgrimage on government scheme will not be allowed to submit application through government scheme. While people who have performed Hajj in the last three years will not be allowed to submit applications even through private companies.
Every applicant should hold a CNIC, valid passport until February 2019 and a medical certificate.
A mahram should accompany women of every age except Shia women. Shia women of age 45 years and above will not need a mahram to travel with them for Hajj.

The new policy has already been approved by federal cabinet. Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, while announcing the policy said that ministry is in talks with authorities to reduce Hajj period from 38 days to 30 days. The reduction will benefit the Hajis, the minister added.