A recent decision by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony will help pilgrims who choose to pay their fees for the “Government Hajj Scheme” in US dollars.
These pilgrims will not participate in the voting process and will receive a special 25% quota. This new “Sponsorship Scheme” will assist about 22,400 pilgrims.
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The decision was made as a result of the nation’s diminishing foreign exchange reserves. The Ministry added that expenses for the Hajj may also be paid in US dollars through international money transfers.
The private operators’ Hajj quota has been raised from 40% to 50%. A further increase in the quota is anticipated due to the current foreign exchange liquidity crisis.
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According to the government plan, each pilgrim will be charged about Rs. 1.1 million for the Hajj. The rising Hajj tax rate imposed by the Saudi government may also have an effect on these fees. The tax rate may increase by 18–20%, according to reports.
