Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) has noted with concerns that some private tour operators and banks are directly or through their agents are minting money from the people under the garb of Hajj applications.

In a statement, the Ministry termed the action on the part of these tour operators and banks as totally illegal warning them to refrain from it.

The Ministry clarified that Hajj policy 2019 has not yet been announced, thereby, the banks and the private tour operators are not liable to receive hajj applications.

The Ministry of religious affairs has also asked the people not to submit any amount and passports with the private tour operators and the banks until the hajj policy is announced.