Haj Pilgrims to Get Refunds Up to Rs. 110,000 Under Govt Scheme 2025. The Government of Pakistan has officially started issuing Haj refunds for 2025, amounting to a total of Rs. 3.45 billion. This refund program applies to pilgrims who performed Haj this year under the regular government scheme. Eligible individuals can receive refunds ranging from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 110,000, depending on their package type and accommodations.
This initiative, led by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, is a move to promote transparency and ensure that pilgrims only pay for the actual cost of their facilities during Haj 2025.
Haj Refund Scheme 2025: Overview
The Haj Refund Scheme 2025 is designed to return excess amounts collected from Pakistani pilgrims who participated in the regular government Haj package. Due to efficient budgeting and lower-than-expected accommodation and transport costs in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry has decided to refund part of the collected amount.
| Category | Refund Amount (PKR) | Percentage of Pilgrims |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Rs. 12,000 | 14% |
| Group B | Rs. 25,000 | 16% |
| Group C | Rs. 75,000 | 10% |
| Group D | Rs. 90,000 | 12% |
| Group E | Rs. 110,000 | 408 pilgrims (special cases) |
Out of a total of 84,960 pilgrims, around 66,000 (75%) will receive refunds. The remaining 25%, who received premium accommodations and facilities, will not be eligible.
Refund Process Timeline
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that the refund process will be completed by October 31, 2025. Pilgrims will receive their refunds directly into their bank accounts used during the Haj application process.
Refunds will be disbursed through:
- Designated banks where Haj payments were made
- SMS notification to confirm refund completion
- Official website updates on mora.gov.pk
If any pilgrim does not receive the refund by November, they can contact their respective Haj group organizer or the Ministry’s helpline for assistance.
Eligibility Criteria for Refunds
Not every pilgrim will receive a refund. The eligibility depends on the type of accommodation and service level provided during Haj 2025.
Eligible Pilgrims
- Those who performed Haj under the regular government scheme
- Pilgrims who were allocated standard accommodation in Mina and Makkah
- Applicants who completed their payments through official bank channels
Non-Eligible Pilgrims
- Pilgrims who opted for superior or VIP packages
- Those who received air-conditioned Mina tents with enhanced facilities
- Private Haj scheme participants
Government’s Efforts for a Comfortable Haj Experience
During Haj 2025, the Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf shared that for the first time, pilgrims were provided air-conditioned accommodations at Mina. Each unit featured gypsum walls, folding mattresses, and improved hygiene facilities.
This year’s government Haj scheme introduced the following upgrades:
- Temperature-controlled tents in Mina
- Better transport services between Makkah, Mina, and Arafat
- Medical and emergency units at every major site
- 24/7 helpline for Pakistani pilgrims
- Digital Haj information app for real-time updates
The refunds are a reflection of the government’s accountability — ensuring no pilgrim pays beyond the actual cost.
Haj Quota and Future Packages for 2026
Pakistan’s Haj quota for 2025 saw a significant increase of 30,000 seats, taking the total to 179,210 (including private schemes).
For Haj 2026, the government aims to expand affordable packages further while maintaining high service quality.
Expected Haj 2026 Packages
| Package Type | Duration | Expected Cost (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Short Stay Package | 20 Days | Rs. 1.20 million |
| Regular Package | 40 Days | Rs. 1.15 million |
Pilgrims will be required to deposit the second installment of Rs. 650,000 between November 3–15, 2025, through designated banks.
Each registered pilgrim will also receive a Saudi SIM card with 300–600 free internet minutes, ensuring they stay connected with family back home during Haj.
Government Collaboration with Saudi Authorities
Minister Yousuf extended gratitude to Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister for Haj and Umrah, and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki for their cooperation in ensuring a smooth Haj 2025.
This collaboration focused on:
- Streamlining visa and entry procedures
- Improving transport logistics between Makkah, Madinah, and Mina
- Ensuring food safety and medical assistance for Pakistani pilgrims
- Enhancing the complaint resolution system via the Haj app
These efforts have strengthened Pakistan’s reputation as one of the best-organized Haj missions globally.
Impact of Refunds on Future Pilgrimages
The refund scheme builds trust and transparency between the government and pilgrims. It sends a strong message that excess funds collected will always be returned.
Positive Impacts
- Increases public confidence in government-managed Haj operations
- Promotes accountability and transparency
- Sets a benchmark for future Haj missions
- Encourages more pilgrims to choose the government scheme over private operators
According to ministry data, Pakistan’s Haj refund process for 2025 is one of the largest refund exercises in South Asia’s religious travel history.
How Pilgrims Can Check Haj Refund Status
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched an online refund tracking system where pilgrims can check their refund status easily.
Steps to Check Refund Online
- Visit the official website: mora.gov.pk
- Click on “Haj Refund 2025” section
- Enter your CNIC number and application ID
- View your refund eligibility and amount
- Confirm your bank details for payment
- If your name is missing, contact the Haj Directorate Office or call the helpline:
- 051-9205696 / 051-9208465
- info@mora.gov.pk
Statements from the Minister for Religious Affairs
Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf emphasized that this refund is part of the ministry’s commitment to fairness.
“We are committed to ensuring that every rupee collected from pilgrims is spent transparently. The surplus amounts are being returned as per government policy,” he said.
He added that such reforms reflect Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of making government institutions more accountable and people-focused.
Public Reaction and Feedback
Many Pakistani pilgrims expressed satisfaction with both the Haj facilities and the refund initiative. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of appreciation, with users highlighting the improved services and responsible use of public funds.
“It’s heartwarming to see that the government is actually refunding unused Haj funds. This restores trust in official schemes,” wrote a pilgrim from Karachi.
How the Refund Scheme Differs from Private Haj Packages
Private tour operators often charge fixed, non-refundable packages, while the government’s regular scheme adjusts costs post-Haj based on actual expenditures.
| Feature | Government Haj Scheme | Private Haj Packages |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Adjustments | Refund based on actual expenses | Fixed, no refund |
| Transparency | Managed by Ministry | Managed by private operator |
| Accommodation | Standard or upgraded options | Based on package tier |
| Oversight | Government audits | Independent |
| After-Haj Support | Refunds, helplines, tracking | Limited or none |
This difference highlights why many pilgrims prefer the official Haj scheme each year.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Refund Process Completion | October 31, 2025 |
| Second Installment Deposit | November 3–15, 2025 |
| Haj 2026 Application Window | Expected January–March 2026 |
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the Haj refund 2025 in Pakistan?
Only pilgrims who performed Haj under the regular government scheme are eligible for refunds, based on their accommodation category.
2. How much refund can a pilgrim receive?
Refunds range from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 110,000, depending on the type of facilities provided during Haj 2025.
3. How can I check my Haj refund status online?
Visit mora.gov.pk, go to the Haj Refund 2025 section, and enter your CNIC and application ID to check your refund amount.
4. When will the refund process be completed?
The refund process will be finalized by October 31, 2025, as announced by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
5. Will private Haj scheme pilgrims get refunds too?
No, only government scheme pilgrims are eligible. Private packages are fixed and non-refundable.
Conclusion
The Haj Refund Scheme 2025 is a remarkable initiative by the Government of Pakistan, reflecting a strong commitment to transparency and fairness. By returning Rs. 3.45 billion to deserving pilgrims, the Ministry has set a new standard for accountability in Haj management.
