Yaounde: Registrations Open for 2024 Hajj Pilgrimage Despite Challenges

The Minister of Territorial Administration and President of the National Hajj Commission, Paul Atanga Nji, recently announced the beginning of registrations for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

This decision comes amidst various challenges, including the recent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) in Saudi Arabia, housing shortages, and the rise in the dollar exchange rate impacting service costs.

According to a statement released on Thursday, February 29, 2024, Paul Atanga Nji stated that the price of the 2024 Hajj has been set at three million two hundred sixty-seven thousand nine hundred 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, housing scarcity, and especially the high dollar rate which has a substantial impact on all services, the price of the 2024 Hajj stands at three million two hundred sixty-seven thousand nine hundred forty-two (3,267,942) CFA francs, a slight increase compared to the 2023 edition," the minister said in the statement.

Pilgrims are encouraged to note that registrations via the Hajj Unique Counter, managed 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 Unique Counter will be automatically closed.