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The government has approved another 38 Hajj agencies to participate in the 2027 Hajj operations.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs published the sixth-phase list of agencies that have been deemed initially eligible to conduct Hajj operations, subject to certain conditions.
With the latest addition, the government has now approved a total of 680 agencies in six phases for the 2027 Hajj season. Earlier, 642 agencies were approved in five phases.
In its conditions published with the latest list on Tuesday (August 25), the ministry said administrative action would be taken against any listed agency that fails to register Hajj pilgrims for the 2027 season without a valid reason.
Before registering pilgrims, eligible agencies must form groups or alliances through mutual coordination within the stipulated timeframe. An agency, or a lead agency, will be allowed to send pilgrims to Saudi Arabia if it can fulfil the minimum Hajj pilgrim quota set by the Saudi government, either individually or through coordination with other agencies.
The ministry said agencies must complete pilgrim registration by setting their declared packages in the e-Hajj system. The package will serve as the contract between the agency and the pilgrim and must clearly state the services to be provided in Saudi Arabia, length of stay, hotel distance from relevant locations and package price.
Each agency must register at least 44 pilgrims. An agency can participate in a coordination arrangement if it has the required number of pilgrims assigned to one guide. Otherwise, it must ensure that its pilgrims can perform Hajj by transferring them to another agency under the lead agency.
For every 44 pilgrims, agencies must appoint one Hajj guide who is proficient in Arabic, has information technology skills and has experience in managing Hajj operations. The guide’s passport and Hajj experience details must be entered into the e-Hajj system.
The ministry warned that no unregistered person can be taken to Saudi Arabia as a Hajj pilgrim. Any agency attempting to do so will face necessary legal action, including cancellation of its licence, without being given an opportunity to show cause.
An agency may later apply with updated information, after which its eligibility will be considered for inclusion in a subsequent list.
The ministry also said that if an allegation against an eligible agency is proven and the agency is penalised, its name will be removed from the eligible list without a show-cause opportunity.
The agencies have been included in the eligible list on the condition that their licences remain valid or are renewed through June 2027. Agencies whose licences expire by June next year must apply for renewal within the stipulated timeframe.
Each agency must also submit updated Hajj, travel and trade licences and an income tax certificate before signing an agreement with the director of the Dhaka Hajj Office.
Pre-registration of pilgrims will remain suspended for all agencies that are not on the eligible list. The ministry said pre-registration will resume if an agency is subsequently included in the eligible list.