Baghdad – Iraq’s Higher Committee for Hajj and Umrah issued a warning on Saturday, stressing that “commercial Hajj” is not a legitimate practice and urging citizens to avoid falling for fraudulent schemes run by unauthorized companies and individuals.
The committee highlighted the rise in fake companies and individuals claiming to offer “commercial Hajj” services every season. It reminded the public that participation in Hajj is strictly regulated through a quota system, with a limited number of pilgrims selected each year through an official process. Citizens who are not selected often face long waits for the opportunity to perform the pilgrimage.
Unauthorized channels, where individuals attempt to join Hajj using visitor visas, are common. These practices are illegal, as Saudi authorities have a carefully controlled system to manage the participation of millions of pilgrims annually. The committee reaffirmed that it is the only official entity in Iraq authorized to issue Hajj permits and work with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to coordinate visa distribution.
The statement emphasized that the official Hajj seats for Iraq are allocated through an electronic lottery system and are distributed based on a quota system, with Iraq’s annual allocation ranging between 34,000 and 40,000 pilgrims. This system ensures a fair and regulated distribution of seats across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.
In light of the tragic events during the 2024 Hajj season, where more than 1,300 pilgrims lost their lives—83% of whom were unauthorized—the committee urged citizens to be cautious of scams that often result in the theft of their money and leave pilgrims vulnerable to dangerous conditions. The Kurdistan Region was particularly affected, with reports indicating that many Kurdish pilgrims who traveled through unofficial channels suffered deadly consequences.
The Kurdistan Regional Government responded by suspending over 90 travel agents involved in facilitating unauthorized pilgrimages, underscoring the importance of adhering to official channels for the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
