Official authorities in Egypt have unveiled the details of the prices for tourist Hajj for the year 2025, aiming to provide a distinguished and organized experience for all pilgrims. This announcement coincides with the establishment of a final date for official submissions and confirmations, ensuring that those wishing to perform Hajj can adequately plan their religious journey. The prices for tourist Hajj have been clearly outlined, with Egyptian travel and tourism companies keen to divide these prices into various packages to accommodate different needs.
According to the officials, the organization of Hajj for 2025 will be facilitated through the "Nusuk" electronic system. Saturday, March 15, 2025, has been designated as the last date for companies to contract for housing, ensuring compliance with the conditions for official participation in the various programs. Meanwhile, April 14, 2025, is considered the final date for issuing visas for those performing Hajj.
The announced pricing structure for tourist Hajj in 2025 includes several categories:
These options provide complete flexibility for those wishing to perform Hajj, catering to various interests and financial capabilities. The focus remains on facilitating pilgrims near central services to ensure a pleasant and distinguished religious experience.
To maintain equal opportunities for all pilgrims and preserve their rights, the Ministry of Tourism has urged relevant companies to expedite the completion of all contracting procedures in accordance with the specified timeline. This includes submitting applications electronically via the "Nusuk" system, which streamlines the Hajj process and coordination between the organizing authority and tourism companies. Adherence to financial deadlines is crucial to ensure that companies secure their share of the allocated pilgrims.
The announced programs provide multiple advantages, including accommodation in distinguished hotels, comfortable transportation, meals, and religious guidance from specialized scholars throughout the Hajj to maximize the spiritual experience. The launch of the Hajj season for 2025 comes amid intensive preparations to ensure the highest levels of security and comfort, with the implementation of organizational conditions to achieve the Egyptian government's goals of providing a secure and well-organized religious journey.
Meanwhile, in a separate but equally significant development, reports indicate that Egypt's administrative apparatus is set to witness a salary increase for approximately 4.5 million government employees. This adjustment is part of a new social package approved by the government, responding to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directives aimed at supporting low-income groups and improving the living standards of employees and pensioners.
Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the head of the Council of Ministers, announced that the salary increases will begin at 1,100 Egyptian pounds per month for employees in the sixth grade, which represents the minimum wage for administrative employees. The increase can go up to 1,600 Egyptian pounds monthly for those in the distinguished grade. Following the adjustments, the salaries will be structured as follows:
As part of this new package, Mr. Ahmed Kojok, Deputy Minister of Finance, explained that the disbursement of salaries according to the new increases will commence with the July 2025 payroll, following the House of Representatives' approval of the general budget project for the upcoming fiscal year, which emphasizes "Growth and Sustainability and Partnership with the Business Community." Additionally, a periodic allowance of 10% will be added for non-addressed individuals under the civil service law and 15% for those who are, with a minimum of 150 Egyptian pounds for all categories.
Furthermore, an exceptional hardship allowance ranging from 600 to 700 Egyptian pounds will be distributed to all workers in the administrative apparatus. The social package also includes raising the minimum wage to 7,000 Egyptian pounds monthly and allocating 85 billion pounds to finance salary and pension increases, aimed at alleviating the burden on citizens amid rising prices and living costs.
The living allowance will also see an increase, ranging between 400 and 1,000 Egyptian pounds, alongside a lump sum allowance of 300 Egyptian pounds for each government employee. Pensioners will also benefit from new increases, with plans to raise pensions by up to 15% starting in July to support the elderly and the most needy categories.
The Deputy Minister of Finance noted that pension funds are finalizing these increases to ensure timely disbursement while providing additional allocations for agencies and institutions requiring extra support to maintain stable living conditions. These measures form part of a broad social protection program that includes support for beneficiaries of initiatives like "Takaful and Karama," ensuring a necessary minimum for the needs of the most vulnerable families.
Through these initiatives, the government aims to strike a balance between improving the incomes of workers and retirees while fostering economic and social stability. These increases are expected to significantly enhance citizens' living conditions, especially amid current economic challenges.
