Somali Hajj pilgrims pay over double regional rates as government faces growing pressure for reform.
As 431 Somali pilgrims leave for Hajj 2025, public outrage grows over high costs — with Somalia charging over $4,600 per pilgrim, more than double the price in neighboring countries.
The first wave of Somali pilgrims embarking on the 2025 Hajj departed Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Friday, joining millions of Muslims worldwide on the sacred journey to Mecca. But as the spiritual excitement builds, so does public anger over what many are calling “exploitative and unjustifiable” Hajj costs imposed on Somali citizens.
A total of 431 pilgrims were seen off at a high-profile farewell ceremony attended by senior government officials, including Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, Health Minister Dr. Ali Haji Aden, and Transport Minister Mohamed Farah Nuh.
“You represent Somalia,” said Sheikh Mukhtar, advising pilgrims to uphold discipline and comply with Saudi Hajj regulations. The Minister prayed for their safe journey and divine acceptance of their pilgrimage.
Sticker Shock at $4,604 Per Pilgrim
The Ministry of Endowments has pegged this year’s official Hajj cost at $4,604, up from last year’s $4,434 — citing increased accommodation and transport prices in Saudi Arabia. While officials claim the hike is modest, Somali pilgrims still face some of the highest Hajj fees in the region, igniting public outrage.
In comparison:
Ethiopia and Kenya offer Hajj packages as low as $1,600
Djibouti pilgrims pay roughly $1,850
Sudan charges about $2,000 despite ongoing internal strife
Somalia’s cost is nearly three times higher, raising suspicions of profiteering by local Hajj agencies. In a previous statement, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre blamed “middlemen and greedy service providers” for inflating costs and called for sweeping reforms in the sector.
A History of High Costs and Broken Promises
This isn’t a new problem. In 2022, Somali pilgrims paid between $5,500 and $6,000, with many taking out loans or selling property to afford the trip. While the government touts this year’s rate as “progress,” many view it as window dressing that still leaves the majority of citizens priced out of a religious obligation.
“Why must Somali Muslims pay more than anyone else in the region to fulfill their faith?” asked a Hajj applicant who was forced to withdraw due to cost. “This is spiritual apartheid.”
Public Demands Transparency and Overhaul
Religious scholars, civil society groups, and frustrated citizens are now demanding full transparency in Hajj pricing, public disclosure of contracts with Saudi agencies, and the establishment of an independent oversight body.
Unless the government responds decisively, critics warn that Somali citizens will continue to be spiritually excluded from one of Islam’s five pillars — not by distance or war, but by bureaucratic greed.
As the 2025 Hajj season begins, one thing is clear: Somalia’s pilgrims are flying to Mecca, but the anger over Hajj costs is not going away anytime soon.
