Pakistan introduces new Umrah regulations to tighten oversight of pilgrim services

The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan issued a notification under the Hajj and Umrah Act 2024 establishing new rules for Umrah arrangements. The regulations require that only companies approved by the ministry may provide pilgrim services, with a list of authorized operators to be posted on the ministry’s website. Pilgrims are instructed to book through these verified firms and to make payments via formal banking channels, retaining all receipts and contracts.

An Umrah Policy Committee has been created to develop and monitor the policy framework, chaired by the Additional Secretary of the ministry and including representatives from the Interior, Foreign Affairs, Law ministries and the Cabinet Division. The government says the measures aim to improve transparency, curb illegal operators, and better protect the rights of pilgrims.