Pakistan Introduces New Rules To Regulate Umrah Services

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – The federal government has officially introduced new Umrah regulations under the Hajj and Umrah Act 2024, bringing major changes aimed at improving the monitoring, management and accountability of Umrah services in Pakistan.

According to the notification issued on Thursday, all administrative, regulatory and supervisory responsibilities related to Umrah operations will now come under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.

Under the revised framework, only Umrah companies verified and approved by the ministry will be permitted to arrange pilgrimage services for Pakistani pilgrims.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has also formed an Umrah Policy Committee tasked with developing a comprehensive national policy for Umrah management. The committee will be headed by the Additional Secretary of the ministry and will include senior representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice and the Cabinet Division.

The ministry has instructed all Umrah operators to complete verification of their Nusuk agreements according to the procedure available on its official website. Companies that successfully complete the process will be added to the official list of approved Umrah service providers.

The approved list will be made available on the ministry’s website, helping pilgrims identify authorized companies and avoid fraudulent or unregistered operators.

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The ministry advised citizens planning to perform Umrah to book packages only through verified companies. It warned that pilgrims using unauthorized operators would be responsible for any difficulties they may face during travel arrangements or service delivery.

Authorities further clarified that complaints will only be entertained against Umrah companies officially recognized by the ministry.

Pilgrims have also been advised to make all payments through official banking channels and preserve receipts, agreements and other relevant documents. Officials said maintaining proper records will help protect pilgrims’ rights and provide support in case of disputes.