ISLAMABAD: In view of the acute shortage of greenbacks and the declining economy, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has decided to allocate a special quota of 50 percent in the government’s Hajj Scheme 2023 for those pilgrims who pay their dues in US dollars. will pay On Friday, informed sources said.
It is worth mentioning here that the dollar shortage has made banks reluctant to issue new letters of credit to importers, which has already hurt the economy due to rising inflation.
Earlier, the ministry had decided to allocate 25 percent Hajj quota to those who would pay their dues in US dollars, but officials were forced to review the policy as the Finance Ministry provided $2 billion for Hajj expenses. Sorry for doing that. added
Officials of the ministry will soon meet Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to persuade him to release the money.
The Hajj Policy 2023 will be sent to the Federal Cabinet for final approval next week, sources say that the cabinet is likely to approve the policy in the next 8 to 10 days.
Sources had earlier said that the ministry has increased the Hajj quota for private operators from 40 per cent to 50 per cent, which may be further increased due to the foreign exchange liquidity crisis.
Informed sources said that the ministry will collect Rs 1.1 million from each pilgrim under the government scheme, but if the rupee depreciates further, the Hajj expenses may go up to Rs 1.3 million.
Sources further said that the government of Saudi Arabia is increasing the tax rate on Hajj from 18% to 20%.
