Rabat – Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq announced that the final cost of Hajj for the 1447 Hijri season has been fixed at MAD 63,021 ($6,779) for pilgrims under the official organization supervised by the ministry.
The announcement came during a meeting of the Royal Commission in charge of Hajj affairs.
The figure falls below the previously collected flat-rate amount of MAD 65,000 ($6,992). As a result, each concerned pilgrim will receive a refund of MAD 1,779 ($191) through Barid Bank services.
Authorities set the reimbursement period from March 9 to March 20.
For many families who prepare months in advance for the pilgrimage, this clarification brings a measure of financial certainty ahead of departure.
Toufiq explained that this season’s total includes the Hajj sacrifice fee, fixed at 720 Saudi riyals (MAD 1,785).
Saudi authorities now require payment of this fee through the electronic Hajj portal as a prerequisite for visa approval.
The visa process remains tied to the transfer of accommodation, transport, and service costs to Saudi partners through the official digital platform.
Once this process begins, pilgrims under the official organization cannot request reimbursement of those transferred amounts. The only exception concerns airfare.
A pilgrim who withdraws may seek a ticket refund, provided they submit a copy of the ticket within one week of the scheduled departure date.
The minister also addressed travel agencies. He called on them to comply with decisions issued by the Hajj financial committee, particularly the religious opinion of the Supreme Council of Ulema that allows pilgrims to proceed directly to Arafat without passing through Mina on the Day of Tarwiyah.
Authorities may take measures against agencies that fail to respect these guidelines.
Early steps for the 1448 Season
Preparations for the next Hajj season will begin immediately after the current one concludes.
According to Toufiq, adherence to the calendar set by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah leaves little room for delay.
Selected pilgrims for the 1448 season under the official organization will pay a provisional sum of MAD 65,000, consistent with recent years. The final amount will later be adjusted based on actual costs.
Medical examinations will start soon after the lottery process. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection will issue certificates that confirm each selected pilgrim’s physical and mental ability to perform the rites.
Without this certificate, authorities will not release the payment voucher required to complete the process.
Barid Bank branches will continue to collect payments for the official and travel agency systems.
Authorities will accept certified checks and electronic payments. The proposed collection period runs from June 29 to July 10.
With logistical and financial details now clarified, thousands of Moroccans who await the spiritual journey can move forward with clearer expectations and defined timelines.
