357 Agencies Initially Cleared for 2027 Hajj Operations

The government has conditionally approved 357 agencies to manage Hajj operations for 2027. The Ministry of Religious Affairs published the initial list of eligible agencies on Sunday.

Subject to the sighting of the moon the next Hajj is expected to begin on May 15 2027. The government plans to announce the official Hajj packages later this week.

Registration Minimums Each agency must register a minimum of 44 pilgrims using the official e-Hajj system. Agencies failing to meet this quota must transfer their registrants to a lead agency to guarantee the pilgrims' participation.

package Transparency The approved Hajj package will serve as a binding legal contract between the agency and the pilgrim. Agencies must clearly outline the package price duration of stay specific services provided in Saudi Arabia, and the exact distance of accommodations from the holy sites. Qualified Guides Agencies are required to appoint one guide for every 44 pilgrims. Guides must be proficient in Arabic knowledgeable in basic IT and have prior Hajj experience, with their passport and experience details submitted into the e-Hajj system.

Agency Alliances To meet the minimum pilgrim quotas set by Saudi authorities agencies are permitted to form alliances through mutual coordination.

Strict Penalties for Violations The ministry warned that agencies failing to register pilgrims for the 2027 season without a valid justification will face administrative penalties. Furthermore any agency caught attempting to send unregistered individuals to Saudi Arabia will face severe legal consequences, including the immediate cancellation of their operating license without prior notice.