The government has granted conditional approval to 357 Hajj agencies in the first phase to participate in Hajj operations for 2027.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs published a list of initially eligible agencies on Sunday.

Hajj is expected to be performed on May 15, 2027, subject to the sighting of the moon. The government is expected to announce the Hajj packages later this week.

The ministry said agencies on the published list that fail to register pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj season without valid reasons will face administrative action.

Before registering pilgrims, eligible agencies must form groups (alliances) within a specified period through mutual coordination.

An agency, which can meet the minimum pilgrim quota set by the Saudi authorities – either individually or through an alliance – will be eligible to send pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The ministry said agencies must complete pilgrims' registration through the e-Hajj system under the approved package, which will serve as the contract between the pilgrim and the agency.

The package must clearly specify the services to be provided in Saudi Arabia, the duration of stay, the distance of the accommodation from the holy sites and the package price.=

Each agency must register at least 44 pilgrims to participate in Hajj operations.

Agencies failing to meet the minimum requirement will have to transfer their registered pilgrims to another agency under a lead agency to ensure their participation in the pilgrimage.

The ministry also directed agencies to appoint one Hajj guide for every 44 pilgrims. The guide must be proficient in Arabic, knowledgeable in information technology and experienced in conducting Hajj.

Agencies must submit the guide's passport details and Hajj experience while registering them in the e-Hajj system.

The ministry warned that no unregistered person will be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia as a pilgrim.

Any agency found attempting to send unregistered pilgrims will face legal action, including cancellation of its licence without an opportunity to show cause, it said.