Hajj and Umrah

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and one of the great rituals practised by Muslims. The rites of Hajj begin on the eighth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah and end on the thirteenth day of the same month.

Hajj and Umrah Affairs oversee all aspects related to pilgrimage seasons and trips, beginning with a decision by the Religious Affairs Director of the Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs. It also manages all related matters throughout the year.

The Kingdom of Bahrain Hajj Missions facilitates pilgrimage for Bahraini citizens. In coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and other relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it secures licensing for, monitors and encourages Bahraini Hajj campaigns to improve their services, for example by:

• Taking necessary measures to ensure the welfare and comfort of pilgrims
• Determining health procedures for pilgrims and other procedures
• Regulating Hajj campaign rules and procedures, making travel arrangements, ensuring the safety of pilgrims, and granting operating licenses
• Examining license applications of Hajj campaign contractors
• Examining violations committed by Hajj campaign contractors

The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf facilitates Hajj and Umrah tasks through services available on the National Portal, including providing a Hajj and Umrah campaigns directory, inquiring about pilgrim registration, and evaluating campaigns. It also enables Umrah contractors to efficiently carry out their campaign procedures, ensuring they are provided with the best services to help them manage their trips quickly and easily.

Hajj and Umrah during the pandemic

Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who have received Saudi-approved vaccinations against the coronavirus (Covid-19) can apply to perform Hajj and Umrah rituals in accordance with requirements set by Saudi authorities. Those who are approved can also follow up with Umrah campaigns offered by Bahrain and finalise all necessary official transactions.

Hajj Leave

Bahrain’s Labor Law grants Muslim employees the right to take leave to perform Hajj in accordance with the following provisions:

• Bahraini Muslim employees are entitled to full paid leave to perform Hajj. This leave can only be granted once and for a period of 21 days during an employee’s employment (current or previous)
• Non-Bahraini Muslim employees who have spent five consecutive years in the service of an employer are entitled to paid 14 working days paid leave to perform Hajj. This leave can only be granted once during the employee’s service, unless this has already been given by previous employer.