Salient features of the Pakistan Hajj Policy 2011

Salient  features of the Pakistan Hajj Policy 2011

[Ministry of Religious Affairs - Islamabad - Pakistan]

Pakistani Hujjaj quota has been increased from 159,647 to 179,256.

Hajj scheme 2011 shall be implemented through Government Hajj Scheme and Private sector i.e. Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) with proportionate share of

around 50:50.

There shall be no balloting this year under Government Hajj Scheme and applicants will be considered successful on the principle of “first come first serve”.

The applications under Government scheme will be invited from 15th April to 10^th May 2011 through designated banks.

Under the Government Hajj Scheme, there will be two categories of accommodation i.e. Green Category within 2000 meters without transport with a rental ceiling of Saudi Rayal (SR) 4000/- per pilgrim and White Category beyond 2000 meters with transport with a rental ceiling of SR.3600/- per pilgrim.

The rent in Makkah Mukarramah will be charged on actual basis from pilgrims and at Madinah Munwwarah at a flat rate of SR.450/- per pilgrim.

PIA has agreed for airfare @ Rs. 72,000/- for south zone and Rs. 84,000/- for north zone.

Hajj dues of White category will be Rs. 200,847 for south zone and Rs. 212,847 for north zone.

Hajj dues of Green category will be Rs. 210,047 for south zone and Rs. 222,047 for north zone.

Hujjaj will be airlifted by the national airlines of both countries in equal share, in pursuance of the revised Air Service Agreement (ASA) between Government of Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

15% of the total seats under Government scheme will be reserved for hardship cases, pilgrims recommended and funded by charitable institutions and Labour/low paid Employees of different organizations/corporate entities under corporate social responsibility etc. Balance number of seats, if any, will be allocated to late comers at an enhanced package @ 5% of the Green category to fill the resource gap for welfare activities.

A broad based Accommodation Hiring Committee comprising five members will hire the accommodation in Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah.

Hujjaj under Government scheme will not be required to pay any amount on account of Personal Exchange Quota (PEQ) and same will be arranged by them

from open market through banks or foreign exchange companies.

There shall be no fresh enrolment of HGOs in the year 2011. HGOs already enrolled with MORA in the year 2010 shall continue in 2011 with the same quota.

HGOs will offer only two packages i.e. economy and executive.

For the welfare services, Medical Hajj Mission will be increased from 260 (2010) to 540 (2011), 230 Khuddam ul Hujjaj to be drawn from Armed Forces, Civil Armed Forces & Pakistan Boys Scouts and number of Local Khuddam ul Hujjaj to be increased from 250 (2010) to 900 (2011) subject to availability of resources.

A comprehensive awareness campaign and training to the intending pilgrims will be launched.

Hujjaj Mohafiz Scheme based on the concept of “Takaful” will be launched with the contribution of Rs.400/- non-refundable by each Haji for compensation due to death / accident during Hajj.

There will be a committee of Parliamentarians called “Hajj Advisory Committee” to advise on policy, planning and management of Hajj operation 2011 in Pakistan as well as in KSA.

Any person who has performed Hajj during the last five years will not be eligible except Mehram, Group Leader or undertaking Haj-e-badal.

International Machine Readable Passport, Computerized National Identity Card and medical certificate shall be mandatory.

All pilgrims (Male/Female) to affix a Pakistan flag sticker on their “Ahrams” for identification. Every female pilgrim to carry at least two “Abayas” preferably of black colour.

Pilgrims to ensure that their luggage is labeled bearing Name, Nationality, Passport Number, Air Carrier, Building and Flight Numbers.

Monitoring and supervision mechanism for Hajj operation in Pakistan and KSA shall be strengthened.