Although this new fee introduced is relatively little compared to the other massive fees required for pilgrims to pay for hajj, it showcases the growing expenses needed to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Many Muslims save up lifetime earnings to be able to pay for the increasing fees around doing hajj, while others remain completely unable to pay for hajj.
Although this new fee introduced is relatively little compared to the other massive fees required for pilgrims to pay for hajj, it showcases the growing expenses needed to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Many Muslims save up lifetime earnings to be able to pay for the increasing fees around doing hajj, while others remain completely unable to pay for hajj.
Saudi Arabia has now introduced new charges on the Hajj visa, coming into effect this year. Muslim pilgrims will know be required to pay an additional $80 on top of the already skyrocketing hajj travel agency fees – with many already forced to pay thousands of dollars for permission to travel for hajj.
This new fee will reportedly be imposed on Muslim pilgrims from all countries, regardless of nationality or country of departure. Making the announcement during an annual meeting related to the management of pilgrims from Malaysia, Saudi Arabian Hajj and Umrah Minister Mohammad Saleh Bin Taher Benten stated that despite this new additional fee, Saudi Arabia is also looking to abolish the previous fee for repeat pilgrims, which was $533 for returning pilgrims.
Hajj, which draws around 2 million Muslims a year for the annual pilgrimage, is considered one of the pillars of Islam – an obligation on all Muslims to do once in their lifetime, except for those who have absolutely no means for travel or are physically not well enough to travel.
Although this new fee introduced is relatively little compared to the other massive fees required for pilgrims to pay for hajj, it showcases the growing expenses needed to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Many Muslims save up lifetime earnings to be able to pay for the increasing fees around doing hajj, while others remain completely unable to pay for hajj.
With this new fee Saudi Arabia will greatly increase its revenue around the season of hajj with millions of Muslims travelling for the pilgrimage every year, however it remains to be seen exactly why or where this additional revenue will go towards.
