Religious ministry urges Umrah pilgrims to submit application through listed companies only

ISLAMABAD, Jul 15 (APP): The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Wednesday urged intending Umrah pilgrims to submit their applications only through certified companies listed on the ministry’s website, following the cabinet’s approval of the new Umrah regulations.

The federal government has officially notified the new Umrah Rules, aimed at making Umrah arrangements in the country more transparent, organized and effective.

Under the new rules, all administrative, regulatory and supervisory matters related to Umrah will fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.

An Umrah Policy Committee has also been constituted to formulate a comprehensive Umrah policy in accordance with the new regulations.

The Additional Secretary for Religious Affairs will serve as the committee’s chairman, while one senior officer each from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Cabinet Division will serve as members.

The Ministry has directed all Umrah companies to immediately verify their Nusuk contracts in accordance with the procedure published on the Ministry’s website to qualify for inclusion in the list of certified Umrah operators.

The list of certified Umrah companies will be published on the Ministry’s official website to enable the public to easily identify authorized operators.

The Ministry clarified that responsibility for any issues arising from bookings made through unregistered or uncertified companies will rest with the individuals concerned.

It added that it will only entertain complaints against companies that are officially certified by the Ministry.

The Ministry has also advised intending pilgrims to make payments for Umrah packages only through banking channels and to retain payment receipts, contracts and other relevant documents to safeguard their rights in the event of any dispute or complaint.

Officials said the new Umrah Rules are intended to promote transparency, accountability and effective oversight in the Umrah sector, discourage illegal and unregistered operators, and ensure full protection of the rights of Umrah pilgrims.

Following the approval of the Umrah policy, only companies certified by the Ministry of Religious Affairs will be authorized to provide Umrah services, a move expected to further streamline Umrah arrangements and strengthen public confidence.