The federal government has officially issued a notification for the new Umrah rules under the Hajj and Umrah Act 2024, introducing major reforms to improve the regulation, management and oversight of Umrah services in Pakistan, it was reported on Thursday.
According to the notification, all administrative, regulatory and supervisory matters related to Umrah will now fall under the authority of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Under the new rules, only companies verified by the ministry will be allowed to organize Umrah pilgrimages.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has also established an Umrah Policy Committee to prepare a comprehensive national Umrah policy. The committee will be chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. It will also include one senior representative each from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice and the Cabinet Division.
The ministry has directed all Umrah companies to immediately verify their Nusuk agreements in accordance with the procedure available on the ministry’s official website. Companies that complete the verification process will be included in the list of authorized Umrah operators.
The list of ministry-approved Umrah companies will be published on the official website, allowing the public to easily identify and choose verified operators.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has also advised Umrah pilgrims to book their pilgrimage only through companies that are officially verified by the ministry. It warned that individuals who choose unregistered or unverified companies will be responsible for any problems that may arise during the booking or travel process.
The ministry clarified that it will only process complaints against Umrah operators that have been officially verified by the ministry.
Pilgrims have also been advised to make all payments for Umrah packages through official banking channels. They should keep payment receipts, agreements, and all other relevant documents safe, as these records will help protect their rights in the event of any dispute or complaint.
