The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a stern warning to private Hajj operators, making it clear that any negligence causing a pilgrim to miss Hajj will result in the immediate cancellation of the operator’s license.

The ministry has announced that if any pilgrim fails to depart for Hajj due to negligence or carelessness by a private Hajj operator, the company’s license will be cancelled.

Officials confirmed that such companies will also be permanently barred from operating as Hajj operators in the future.

According to ministry sources, strict action will be taken against private Hajj operators involved in financial irregularities or delays in transferring pilgrims’ funds.

Operators who fail to transfer money on time or show negligence in Hajj arrangements will lose their licenses and be disqualified from future Hajj operations.

Mandatory 100% fund transfer

The ministry has directed all private Hajj operators to deposit 100% of the Hajj package amount in the relevant Saudi accounts. Authorities have set December 31 as the final deadline for depositing Hajj expenses in Saudi Arabia.

Private Hajj operators have been instructed to secure all required services, including land and residential buildings.

Sources said operators who fail to obtain the necessary services by December 15 will have their remaining Hajj quota transferred to the government Hajj scheme.

Mina arrangements by Dec 21

The ministry has also directed private Hajj operators to complete arrangements for Mina land, residential buildings, and other essential services by December 21.

Failure to meet these deadlines will trigger immediate administrative action, including the loss of remaining quotas.

The Religious Affairs Ministry reiterated that these strict instructions are aimed at protecting pilgrims from mismanagement and financial loss.

Officials stressed that ensuring timely payments, proper services, and smooth travel arrangements is mandatory, and no negligence by private Hajj operators will be tolerated.