A group of Hajj operators has lodged a formal complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against the Department of Muslim Religious & Cultural Affairs and the Hajj Committee, alleging that more than Rs. 110 million owed to operators has been withheld for over a year without valid justification.

According to the complaint, around 3,500 pilgrims participated in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, with each pilgrim charged an additional 362 Saudi Riyals as a surcharge for special tent facilities.The operators alleged that they were compelled to pay the surcharge after being informed by the Department that visas would not be issued otherwise. However, they claim the promised facilities were not provided despite the payments being made to ensure the pilgrimage could proceed smoothly.The complainants further stated that the Department repeatedly assured that refunds would be made “as per the Hajj Committee,” but no payments have been issued to date.The operators accused the Department of misappropriating funds intended for Hajj operators and said they were forced to escalate the matter to the Bribery Commission after repeated appeals for a resolution went unanswered.

They also warned that failure to resolve the issue promptly could severely impact their ability to continue operating Hajj services in the future.