Hajj 2024 registration opens amidst challenges. Price increase
By Charity Nginyu
In a recent announcement, the Minister of Territorial Administration and President of the National Hajj Commission, Atanga Nji Paul has declared the commencement of registration for the Hajj pilgrimage for the year 2024.
This decision comes amide various challenges, including the recent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) in Saudi Arabia, housing shortages, and the soaring dollar exchange rate impacting service costs.
According to a communique released on Thursday, February 29, 2024, Paul Atanga Nji announced that the price for the Hajj 2024 has been set at three million two hundred and sixty-seven thousand nine hundred and forty-two (3.267.942) CFA francs, marking an increase compared to the previous year’s edition.
“Despite the increase in VAT in Saudi Arabia, the scarcity of housing and especially the high rate of the dollar which has a substantial impact on all services, the price of Hajj 2024 amounts to three million two hundred and sixty-seven thousand nine hundred and forty-two (3.267.942) CFA francs, a slight increase compared to the 2023 edition,” MINAT boss stated in the communique.
Pilgrims have been urged to take note that registrations through the Single Hajj Window, operated by Afriland First Bank, are now open and will remain so until March 15, 2024.
However, it is emphasized that if the quota of registered pilgrims is reached before the specified date, the Single Window will be automatically closed.
