ONHO Extends Electronic Payments for 2027 Hajj Season
The Algerian National Office for Hajj and Omra (ONHO) has confirmed the extension of electronic payment options for the upcoming 2027 Hajj season. Pilgrims can continue to make payments digitally until October 29th, a process that commenced on October 1st. This digital payment system allows individuals to settle costs and obtain an electronic receipt without needing to visit Bank of Algeria branches, thereby enhancing convenience and accessibility for Algerian citizens preparing for the pilgrimage.
Mohamed El Amine Bounemra, Director of Information Systems for the Hajj Directorate at ONHO, highlighted that these measures are integral to a comprehensive plan to modernize services for pilgrims through digitalization. Early preparations for the 2027 season are underway, aligning with new organizational procedures established by Saudi authorities. The ONHO is actively working to finalize contracts for a “comprehensive package” of services, which will encompass accommodation, transportation, catering, and essential services in the holy sites of Mina and Arafat.
A significant portion of services has already been digitized through collaboration with various partners. The ONHO is progressively expanding the digitization of all stages of the Hajj process, from initial registration and the lottery system to the preparation of pilgrim lists and various administrative and organizational procedures, all managed through the dedicated “Algerian Hajj Portal.” Furthermore, a new feature has been launched to facilitate advance appointments for medical examinations, developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, aiming to streamline health assessments.
Supporting the extensive preparations, the number of tourism and travel agencies participating in the organization of Hajj has increased to 55, reflecting an addition of five agencies compared to the previous season. These agencies operate under a specified set of conditions outlining required services and commitments, further contributing to the enhanced organizational framework for pilgrims.
