Ahmed Ibrahim: Charging money breaches the rules and does not guarantee promotion; waiving a place requires notarisation.
Walid Khalil: Waiting-list ranking offers a chance if a winner withdraws or is replaced, but does not create an obligation on companies.
Each tourism company has six electronically selected reserve names.
The Egyptian Travel Agents Association said social media claims that unsuccessful applicants in the 1448 AH tourism Hajj lottery, held on September 30, could pay to be moved onto the winners’ list are incorrect and violate the governing regulations. It urged the public to be cautious, disregard such rumours and never pay for false promises.
Ahmed Ibrahim, Chairman of the association’s Religious Tourism Committee, said the rules clearly define the grounds and procedures for replacements and waiting-list promotions. The electronic lottery held last week announced the winners and selected six reserve names for each company, including one or two who may replace surplus supervisors, with other replacements permitted only in specified circumstances.
He explained that strict replacement conditions include a pilgrim’s death or circumstances restricting their liberty. Replacement then takes place automatically according to the official reserve list on the Unified Hajj Portal. A person may be passed over only after submitting a formally notarised withdrawal, after which the next person is selected automatically, without human intervention.
Ibrahim explained that companies’ supervisor numbers are determined in proportion to their pilgrims. If supervisor numbers exceed the regulatory requirement, pilgrims may be promoted in their place, following the same procedures and conditions as replacements.
He stressed that promotions and replacements are entirely free and nobody can move ahead of their rightful turn. He urged citizens not to pay anyone claiming to secure a place. Anyone asked for money in return for such a promise should immediately contact the association, which will take appropriate action to protect their rights and enforce the rules.
Walid Khalil, Deputy Chairman of the Religious Tourism Committee, told TravelYalla News that reserve-list ranking indicates an applicant’s opportunity if a winner withdraws or is replaced. However, it does not oblige companies to promote applicants, as supervisors take priority where needed, followed by applicants in their electronically assigned order.
He added that if two relatives share the same ranking but only one visa is available, they are asked to choose one person; otherwise, they may withdraw and the place passes to the next applicant. A promotion may remain possible immediately before travel, provided the Saudi electronic system permits it.
