فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, affirmed on Tuesday before the House of Councillors that the official Hajj fees for the current season are determined based on a clearly defined set of services provided to Moroccan pilgrims.
Responding to an oral question regarding the “increase in Hajj fees,” submitted by the Socialist Group – Opposition Ittihadi, the minister explained that these services include round-trip airfare, accommodation in Mecca throughout the pilgrimage period, a stay of at least six days in Medina, breakfast and dinner meals during the entire period, as well as transportation between cities and within the holy sites.
Toufiq pointed out that the fees, which amounted to 66,865 Moroccan dirhams last season, also cover basic and additional services provided by agencies, Tawafa institutions, and service providers, in addition to insurance costs, visa fees, the 15% VAT imposed by the Saudi authorities, and banking transaction fees.
Among the factors significantly affecting the overall cost, the minister cited the exchange rate of the Saudi riyal against the Moroccan dirham, noting that for the 1446 Hajj season, a preferential exchange rate was set in coordination with Bank Al-Maghrib at 1 Saudi riyal to 2.6118 dirhams—lower than the rates applied in previous years.
Regarding travel agencies, the minister clarified that they do not fall under the jurisdiction of his ministry but are supervised by the Ministry of Tourism, while reaffirming his ministry’s commitment to continue coordinating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure proper organization of the Hajj.
Minister Toufiq’s statements reflect the government’s commitment to clarifying the reasons behind the increase in Hajj costs while ensuring comprehensive services for pilgrims within a clear regulatory framework.
