The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially finalized the private Hajj scheme for 2025, setting a firm framework for private tour operators while introducing stricter oversight to protect pilgrims.
Private operators will now manage the bulk of the country’s Hajj quota, but the government has stripped away the previous “free-for-all” approach. Under the new policy, tour companies must secure a formal agreement with the ministry before they can market packages to the public.
The move follows recurring complaints from pilgrims in previous years regarding substandard accommodation, poor transport logistics, and hidden costs that emerged only after arrival in Saudi Arabia.
“We are enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for service gaps,” said a ministry spokesperson. “Operators who fail to provide the promised facilities in Makkah and Madinah will face immediate blacklisting and heavy financial penalties.”
To prevent price gouging, the government has mandated that all private operators disclose a detailed breakdown of costs — including airfare, lodging, and transport — at the time of booking. Companies are barred from collecting additional “service fees” once the initial contract is signed.
The total cost for private packages remains significantly higher than the government-sponsored scheme, with premium options targeting those seeking proximity to the Grand Mosque. However, the ministry has capped the maximum profit margin for operators to prevent the market volatility seen in past seasons.
Pilgrims are now required to register through a centralized digital portal, a step designed to ensure the ministry can track every contract in real-time. If an operator fails to meet their contractual obligations, the government says it will now have the legal leverage to trigger refunds directly from the company’s performance bonds.
While the government scheme remains the most affordable route, the finalization of the private sector policy signals a shift toward a more regulated, transparent market. For now, the ministry is keeping a close watch on the initial rollout, warning operators that this year’s audits will be the most rigorous in recent history.
