Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the refund policies before and after issuing the permit for the pilgrims inside Saudi Arabia who have registered for Hajj 2023.

The ministry said in the event the permit has not been issued, domestic pilgrims who cancel their registration before the 14th of Shawwal will be refunded the full amount.

In case the pilgrim is refused the Hajj permit, the fees for electronic services will be deducted.

The ministry said once the permit is issued, 10% of contract value will be deducted, in addition to the fees for e-services, from pilgrims who cancel their registration after the 15th of Shawwal and until the end of Dhul Qada.

Any amounts paid after Dhul Hijjah 1 will not be refunded, the ministry confirmed.

Pilgrims who are prevented from performing Hajj due to acute circumstances such as deaths, health conditions, criminal proceedings, traffic accidents requiring hospitalization or Covid-19 infection after Dhul Hijjah 1 will be exempted from the refund policy and fully repaid provided they present proof to justify their claims.

The exemption will also cover reservations that may be in conflict with any updates to the current regulatory policies or health requirements.

The ministry noted that canceling the Hajj permit must be done through Absher platform, and it should be followed by cancellation of the reservation via its website, or the Nusuk app.