Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced new Umrah regulations aimed at improving transparency, strengthening oversight, and ensuring better protection for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia. The updated framework is intended to regulate Umrah services more effectively while reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized operators.
Under the new policy, only companies officially approved by the Ministry of Religious Affairs will be permitted to provide Umrah services. The decision has been made under the provisions of the Hajj and Umrah Act 2024, which grants the ministry full authority to regulate and monitor Umrah arrangements across the country.
To oversee the implementation of the new system, the ministry has established an Umrah Policy Committee. The committee will be headed by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and will include representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Law, as well as officials from the Cabinet Division. The committee will be responsible for developing, reviewing, and supervising policies related to Umrah services.
Officials have also announced that a list of approved Umrah operators will be made available on the ministry’s official website. Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to verify service providers and book their travel only through authorized companies. The ministry clarified that complaints regarding Umrah services will only be entertained if they involve officially registered operators.
The notification further advises pilgrims to complete all payments through formal banking channels instead of cash transactions. Travelers are also urged to keep copies of payment receipts, agreements, and other relevant documents, as these may be required in case of disputes or complaints.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the updated Umrah rules are designed to eliminate illegal operators, improve accountability within the travel sector, and safeguard the interests of pilgrims. Officials believe the new measures will create a more transparent and reliable system, ensuring that Pakistanis receive secure and high-quality Umrah services while reducing the chances of fraud or malpractice.
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