Allegations Against Hajj Committee and Director of Department of Muslim Religious & Cultural Affairs

A group of Hajj Operators has lodged a formal complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption, alleging that the Department of Muslim Religious & Cultural Affairs was withholding over 110 million rupees (11 crores) owed to Hajj Operators for more than a year without valid reason.   

According to the complaint, in 2025, 3,500 pilgrims had participated in the Hajj pilgrimage. Each pilgrim was charged 362 Saudi Riyals as a surcharge for special tent facilities. The organisers stated that they were compelled to pay this surcharge under pressure, as the Department warned that visas would not be issued otherwise. Despite fulfilling these financial obligations to ensure the pilgrimage could proceed, the promised facilities were not delivered.   

The operators further claim that although the Department repeatedly assured refunds “as per the Hajj Committee,” no refunds had been made to date.   

They allege that the Department has misappropriated funds meant for Hajj Operators and, after repeated requests for resolution were ignored, escalated the matter to the Bribery Commission.   

The Hajj operators warn that if the issue is not resolved promptly, they would face severe operational difficulties in continuing their services.