Saudi Arabia approves 1,585 Hajj pilgrims from Lanka
With Saudi Arabia this week approving a quota of 1,585 Hajj pilgrims for 2022, there are growing concerns about how tour operators will raise around US$ 6.3mn (Rs 2.2bn) – at a minimum of US$ 4,000 (Rs 1.4mn) per pilgrim – within Sri Lanka to meet the cost of the packages.
Depending on services provided, each package can go up to US$ 6,000 (Rs. 2.1mn) for each pilgrim, excluding airfare, industry sources said. It typically covers food, transport, accommodation and Saudi taxes for 20-27 days.