Tawfiq: We Reduced the Cost of Hajj and We Are Not Responsible for Travel Agency Violations
Follow-up
Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Tawfiq announced a reduction in the cost of Hajj for those organized by the ministry during the 1446 AH season, setting it at 63,770 dirhams, which is 3,595 dirhams less than last year. He clarified that the determination of these costs is based on transparent criteria that include transportation, accommodation, meals, and services, without any ambiguous elements.
Tawfiq confirmed during a question-and-answer session at the House of Councillors that the amount includes round-trip airfare, accommodation in Mecca and Medina, transportation between holy sites, insurance fees, and visa costs, in addition to a 15 percent value-added tax imposed by Saudi authorities.
The minister revealed that the ministry coordinated with Bank Al-Maghrib to adopt a preferential exchange rate for the Saudi riyal, which amounted to 2.618 dirhams, contributing directly to reducing the overall cost.
Tawfiq denied the ministry’s responsibility for the prices set by travel agencies, reminding that these agencies operate in a free sector under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism and that citizens are free to choose the organization that suits them, whether through the ministry or through travel agencies. He urged that any complaints or potential violations be referred to the relevant supervisory authorities.
The minister emphasized the spiritual dimension of the Hajj pilgrimage, stating that its value cannot be measured solely in monetary terms, whether a pilgrim pays 5 million or 500 million centimes.
These clarifications came in response to comments made by the head of the Socialist Group, Youssef Aidi, who condemned the rise in Hajj costs through travel agencies by more than 70 percent over two years. He pointed out that offers that used to be around 10 to 11 million centimes have now exceeded 25 million centimes this year, without clear justification.
Aidi accused some agencies of requiring cash payments without providing official receipts, considering this a violation of the law and undermining transparency. He also mentioned the existence of monopolistic practices by forcing dealings only with two companies for pilgrim cards, imposing onerous contracts on them.
The head of the Socialist Group called on the Ministry of Endowments to assume its moral responsibility in protecting pilgrims from speculation and exploitation, despite the fact that oversight of travel agencies falls under the Ministry of Tourism, stressing that protecting pilgrims is a religious duty before being an administrative one.
