Final Hajj Pilgrim Convoy Scheduled to Arrive in Kurdistan Region on Tuesday

As part of its continued efforts to ensure the safe and dignified return of pilgrims to the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdistan Regional Government has scheduled the arrival of the final convoy of Hajj pilgrims via land on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. This arrangement comes in response to recent tensions and the temporary closure of regional airspace.

Over the past three years, the Hajj pilgrimage has received direct and consistent support from KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. In 2025, the Prime Minister allocated more than IQD 4 billion to facilitate and subsidise the pilgrimage process.

Pilgrims travelling by land were originally required to pay IQD 6.35 million each. However, thanks to Prime Minister Barzani’s intervention, each pilgrim paid only IQD 5.5 million, with the remaining IQD 850,000 per person covered by Prime Minister’s office. A total of 3,490 pilgrims benefited from this support.

As a direct result of this support, an additional 450 Hajj quotas were allocated to pilgrims from the Kurdistan Region in 2025.

This entire Hajj process was overseen by a diverse team comprising 50 public sector staff, 25 doctors and healthcare workers, 39 religious guides, 5 muftis, 112 business representatives, and 3 chefs. All expenses were fully covered by the KRG.

Medical care was also prioritised, with all medicines and healthcare services provided to pilgrims free of charge.

Accommodation was arranged at one of the finest guesthouses in Mecca, located just a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Kaaba.

Three meals were served daily in an open buffet, supervised by three Kurdish chefs to ensure the inclusion of traditional Kurdish cuisine.