Due to a serious dearth of dollars and the worsening economy, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has agreed to provide a 50% special quota in the Government Hajj Scheme-2023 for pilgrims who would pay in US dollars.
It is significant to note that the lack of dollars has prevented banks from issuing new letters of credit for importers, which has harmed an already fragile economy. Inflation has also been increasing at the same period.
According to the sources, the ministry had earlier agreed to reserve a 25% Hajj quota for people who would deposit their dues in US dollars; however, this decision has now had to be revised because the finance ministry has failed to provide $2 billion for the Hajj expenses.