New regulations for Hajj organization in 2027 will impose stricter conditions and penalties on tourism and travel agencies. The National Office for Hajj and Umrah (Diwan) has intensified its oversight of agency qualification and performance to ensure compliance. Under these new rules, penalties for agencies can include the final withdrawal of their operating licenses. In cases involving proven fraud and deception against pilgrims, the license will be permanently withdrawn. This permanent withdrawal will be followed by judicial prosecution, reflecting a firm stance against unscrupulous practices. The measures aim to enhance accountability and protect pilgrims participating in the Hajj.
Agency Qualification Criteria
Agencies seeking to organize Hajj pilgrimages must fulfill specific administrative and professional conditions, including providing all required documentation and demonstrating prior experience in tourism and Umrah operations. Agencies are also mandated to employ a minimum number of legally declared permanent staff and must fully settle their financial obligations with the National Office for Hajj and Umrah (Diwan). Any agency whose owners or managers have received final conviction judgments will be disqualified from participating, according to the new regulations.
Agencies that operated during the previous Hajj season must achieve at least 37.5 out of a possible 75 points on their performance evaluation score to be eligible for reapplication. Licensed agencies are explicitly prohibited from entering into partnership or subcontracting arrangements for Hajj organization. Using a license to contract with any operator without obtaining prior approval from the Diwan is strictly forbidden. The regulations also stipulate that obstructing follow-up committees will result in point deductions and official warnings. Causing damage to the National Office for Hajj and Umrah or Saudi institutions will lead to final exclusion from Hajj organization and subsequent judicial prosecution.
Performance and Pilgrim Quotas
Agencies that fail to attract at least 50 percent of their allocated pilgrim quota will face exclusion from organizing the following Hajj season (1449 AH/2028 AD). These regulations stipulate that agencies must attract their full pilgrim quota. If an agency does not meet its quota ten days before the commencement of visa issuance, the National Office for Hajj and Umrah (Diwan) will intervene to complete the quota, with agencies required to cover the costs for these additional pilgrims at the official price. Not reaching 90 percent of the allocated quota will negatively impact an agency's overall evaluation.
The regulations also detail specific penalties for performance issues. Receiving three warnings during a single season will lead to a deduction of 2 to 5 points from an agency's overall evaluation. Documented shortcomings identified by follow-up committees will result in a deduction of 2 points. Non-cooperation with these committees will trigger a written warning and a deduction of 3 points. Agencies receiving two or more warnings within a season will face a deduction of 3 to 8 points. In cases of poor pilgrim care or proven negligence, agencies can be excluded from organizing Hajj for 1 to 3 seasons. The initial list of qualified agencies will be published on the official website of the National Office for Hajj and Umrah.
Operational and Service Standards
Agencies organizing Hajj pilgrimages must provide a written declaration for any additional services contracted in the holy sites, according to the new regulations. Bringing doctors, nurses, or medicines during the Hajj season is prohibited. Agencies must select pilgrim accommodation based on precise criteria, including adherence to the central area in Madinah and proximity to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Accommodation must also respect technical and organizational specifications approved by Saudi authorities, with priority given to hotels located on main streets. Required hotel facilities include a suitable reception hall, high-speed internet, a phone line, a safe, and an audio distributor.
Agencies are mandated to declare approved prices by category on the Algerian Hajj portal. Pilgrims must be registered electronically, and booking and housing completed via the digital platform. Agencies must inform pilgrims of preventive measures and ensure a logbook for complaints and suggestions is available. Pilgrims must also be involved in training activities organized by the National Office for Hajj and Umrah (Diwan). Agencies are required to enter pilgrim data on the 'Nusk Masar' platform, aligning with data registered on the Algerian Hajj portal. No pilgrim can be registered before their administrative and medical file is complete and the cost is paid.
Pilgrim Contracts and Support
A travel contract detailing pilgrims' rights, duties, services, hotels, food, transport, religious guidance, health coverage, visits, and travel dates must be concluded with each pilgrim. The agreed financial consideration cannot be revised unless explicitly stated within this contract. Agencies are also mandated to assist pilgrims who lose documents or money during their spiritual journey.
Agencies must place their identification signs prominently at all accommodation sites. A duty office and a complaint log must be provided for pilgrim access. Details and phone numbers of companions must also be posted at these locations. Companions and religious guides are required to wear identification vests and badges for easy recognition. Each pilgrim must be issued an identification card, ensuring proper identification throughout the Hajj. Accredited companions and religious guides are responsible for supervising pilgrims. The National Office for Hajj and Umrah (Diwan) will determine licenses and Hajj quotas based on the national ranking of qualified agencies, derived from the final list.