Hajj and company leave: what employers should know
Hajj from Pakistan is booked only through the official system. Employers do not book Hajj for staff, but they shape whether staff can go: leave rules, advances, cover, and planning business travel around the Hajj season.
The key facts
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Schemes | Hajj from Pakistan runs through the Government Hajj Scheme or Ministry of Religious Affairs–authorised private Hajj organisers. |
| Registration | Through the Pak Hajj app or the Ministry’s Hajj portal. |
| Quota 2027 | Saudi Arabia allocated Pakistan 179,210 places for Hajj 2027: 107,526 for the government scheme and 71,684 for private operators (reported September 2026). |
| Private scheme deadline | The Ministry set 20 November 2026 as the last date to select and pay for a private-scheme package for 2027, through the portal or app only. |
| Hajj 2027 | Expected around 14–19 May 2027 (8–13 Dhul Hijjah 1448), subject to moon sighting. |
| Policy | Pakistan’s Hajj policy now covers four seasons, 2027 to 2030. |
What Go Global does and does not do
Hajj packages, visas and payments go only through Pakistan’s official Hajj system and Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk Hajj platform. We do not sell Hajj packages. We advise employers on policy and on planning the rest of their travel programme around the Hajj season, and we arrange corporate Umrah through our licensed Umrah partner.
Staff should pay for Hajj only through the official portal or the Pak Hajj app. The Ministry has warned that it is not responsible for money paid directly to individuals or companies.
Writing a Hajj leave policy
Many Pakistani employers give special Hajj leave once during an employee’s service. Typical rules cover eligibility (length of service), how many days are paid, whether annual leave can be added, and how many people from one team may be away at once.
Staff usually know months ahead whether they have a place, so ask them to tell HR as soon as their application is accepted. That gives time to plan cover.
- Once-in-service Hajj leave, with a minimum service period
- Number of paid days and whether annual leave can be added
- Limit on simultaneous absences per team
- Notice to HR once a place is confirmed
Advances and loans
Hajj packages are a large expense, and some employers offer an interest-free advance repaid from salary. If you do, state the maximum amount, the repayment period and what happens if the employee leaves.
How Hajj affects company trips to Saudi Arabia
For several weeks before Hajj, Makkah is closed to holders of business, visit and tourist visas, Umrah permits pause, and flights to Jeddah and Madinah are heavily booked. In 2026 the Makkah restriction began on 13 April. For Hajj 2027, expect a similar pattern from around April 2027.
Riyadh, the Eastern Province and other cities stay open for business, but plan Saudi business trips with Jeddah or Umrah elements outside that window.
How Go Global plans it
Policy
We share a Hajj leave and advance policy outline.
Calendar
We map the Hajj window against your Saudi travel plans.
Business trips
We schedule Jeddah and Makkah elements outside the closure.
Umrah alternative
Corporate Umrah through our licensed Umrah partner, outside the Hajj season.
Questions we are asked
Can Go Global book Hajj for our staff?
No. Hajj from Pakistan is booked only through the Government Hajj Scheme or Ministry-authorised private organisers, with payment through the official portal or app.
When is Hajj 2027?
It is expected around 14–19 May 2027, subject to moon sighting.
What is the deadline for private Hajj packages for 2027?
The Ministry of Religious Affairs set 20 November 2026 as the last date to select and pay for a private-scheme package.
Can our staff travel to Saudi Arabia on business during the Hajj season?
Yes, to most cities, but Makkah is closed to business-visa holders for several weeks before Hajj, and flights are heavily booked.
Planning Hajj leave and policy?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips since 2020, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.