If you are a consistent Hajj performer then you will be required to pay an additional sum of Saudi Riyal (SR) 2,000 equivalent to Rs56,200 from now onwards. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced that whosoever in planning to perform Hajj for the third time, will be required to pay an additional fee.
Step has been taken to encourage more pilgrims who have not been blessed with this opportunity yet. People who have performed Hajj in either 2014, 2015 or 2016 and they are still willing to perform Hajj this or the following year then they will be required to an additional sum.
Also Read: PITB launches online Hajj system in Nigeria
Similar step was taken by Saudi Government for Umrah
Last year, the Saudi Government imposed same rule for pilgrims who performed Umrah multiple times in the same number of years. The idea of this decision was to avoid unnecessary rush during peak months (Rajab, Shaaban, Ramadan). Moreover, one of the key notions of this step was to encourage people who have not been to the Holy place.
The new policy has come into the effect from this year. Therefore, those who have performed Hajj anytime in last 3 years and are still going to perform Hajj this year will have to pay an extra amount of Rs56,200.
As a result, as many as 636 Pakistani pilgrims will have to pay the aforementioned fee this year. The payment can be made either to Saudi Arabia when they collect the passports or upon their arrival to Pakistan to the ministry.
Quick Read: You can now find a Hajj tour operator by sending an SMS to 8331
It is noteworthy to state that this policy is only for those who will going to perform Hajj under government schemes. As far as people going through private operator is concerned, they will have to pay the fees directly to their respective tour operator.
People may have some reservations about this new policy but this step will ensure there is no or lessened repetition of same people performing Hajj every year or every alternate year. What are your thoughts?
Source: ProPakistani
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