According to sources, the Pakistani government has given initial approval to increase the quota of Hajj sponsorship for overseas Pakistani nationals from 25% to 50%.
This decision was made during a meeting between Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Religious Affairs Minister Abdul Shakoor. Overseas Pakistani nationals will reportedly be able to access this quota for the government Hajj scheme in 2023 by paying in US dollars.
The State-owned Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) stated that this decision was made to meet foreign exchange requirements during the Hajj this year.
The remaining 50% quota of the government Hajj scheme will be divided between public and private Hajj schemes, while the Hajj Sponsorship Scheme is only for overseas Pakistanis or their relatives.
Pakistani passport holders will be required to join the sponsorship scheme by remitting foreign exchange to designated accounts.
The PIA has announced fares ranging between US$870 and $1,180 for the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage and will charge fares in US dollars from private Hajj pilgrims for the first time.
