, July 20 -- The government has granted conditional approval to 357 Hajj agencies in the first phase to participate in Hajj operations for 2027.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs published a list of initially eligible agencies on Sunday.

Hajj is expected to be performed on May 15, 2027, subject to the sighting of the moon. The government is expected to announce the Hajj packages later this week.

The ministry said agencies on the published list that fail to register pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj season without valid reasons will face administrative action.

Before registering pilgrims, eligible agencies must form groups (alliances) within a specified period through mutual coordination.

An agency, which can meet the minimum pilgrim quota s...