Officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs has officially announced that Afghanistan has been allocated 30,000 Hajj quotas for the year 1404 (Solar Hijri Calendar) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This announcement was made during a press briefing held at the Government Media and Information, where ministry officials provided detailed insights into the allocation and associated costs for Afghan pilgrims.
During the press conference, the Acting Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs, Sheikh Al-Hadith Dr. Noor Mohammad Saqib, stated that while Afghanistan has been granted 30,000 Hajj slots, efforts are actively underway to secure additional allocations.
He further emphasized that the distribution of the allocated quota has been conducted in a transparent manner, ensuring fair access to Hajj opportunities across the country.
In addition, special quotas have been designated for Mujahideen, governmental institutions, families of martyrs, persons with disabilities, and Afghan refugees residing in Iran, Pakistan, and other countries.
According to the officials, to enhance the pilgrimage experience, a rigorous selection process was conducted for scholars across various provinces to serve as instructors.
These qualified religious scholars will accompany pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to provide guidance on Hajj rituals.
Furthermore, comprehensive Hajj guidebooks, adhering to the Hanafi school of thought, have been published in Pashto and Dari to facilitate a deeper understanding of the pilgrimage process.
Officials stated, to ensure seamless transportation of Afghan pilgrims, formal agreements have been signed with Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air, covering both outbound and return flights.
Moreover, a dedicated delegation from the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs has successfully negotiated and finalized contracts for accommodation, meals, transportation, and other essential services in Saudi Arabia.
Officials further emphasized, in both Mecca and Medina, accommodations have been secured in strategically located areas to provide convenience and comfort for Afghan pilgrims.
In addition, in response to pilgrims’ preferences, a three-meal daily catering service has been arranged in Medina.
Furthermore, the ministry has undertaken extensive measures to minimize costs while ensuring the provision of high-quality services.
As a result of cost-saving strategies and the elimination of unnecessary expenditures, the official Hajj cost for each individual pilgrim in the year 1404 (Solar Hijri) has been set at 282,090 Afghanis, with the total cost of the entire Hajj process amounting to 8,278,877,320 Afghanis. Pilgrims intending to participate in Hajj this year can obtain the official payment deposit forms starting from Sunday, 19th Hoot 1403.
These forms will be available at the General Directorate of Hajj, Umrah, and Pilgrimages in Kabul, as well as at provincial offices of the Ministry.
Pilgrims are requested to deposit their Hajj payments at designated banks to complete the registration process.
The Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs, remains committed to ensuring a smooth and well-organized pilgrimage experience, facilitating Afghan pilgrims with the highest level of transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.