Islamabad: (RightNow) The federal government has reformed the Umrah arrangements under the Hajj and Umrah Act 2024. These reforms aim to ensure transparency, effective monitoring, and protection of pilgrims’ rights in the Umrah system.

According to the new rules, Umrah arrangements will now fall under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. An Umrah Policy Committee will also be formed, and the new Umrah policy will be implemented after approval by the federal cabinet.

The government has announced that only companies verified by the Ministry of Religious Affairs will provide services to pilgrims. Umrah companies are instructed to immediately verify their Nusk agreements.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced the release of a list of certified Umrah operators on its website. Pilgrims are advised to book only with registered and verified companies.

It should be noted that in case of booking with unregistered companies, the responsibility will lie with the pilgrims. The new rules also instruct that Umrah package payments be made through banking channels.