WELFARE COMMITTEE GHORGUSHTI (WCG) RULES (2025-26)

We are committed to protecting the interests of WCG and upholding the services we have provided to our members for over 40 years. We operate impartially and without favour, and we expect all members—both current and new applicants—to demonstrate the same sincerity and integrity that we do, in sha’ Allah.

1. Membership Agreement

By becoming a WCG member, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to follow all WCG rules and the Code of Conduct. It is your responsibility to check the website for any updates.

All new members will receive a membership number, which must be included—along with your initials and surname—in all correspondence (e.g. 1989 M Ali). Without this reference, we may be unable to identify you.

Health Disclosure:
You must disclose any serious health conditions when applying. Failure to do so may affect your coverage or claims, and WCG will not be liable for any fees if undisclosed serious or terminal illnesses are later discovered.

2. Annual Membership Fee

The annual membership fee is considered Lillah (a form of charity given solely to please Allah ﷻ, unless otherwise specified) and will be used as determined by the entrusted Shura members. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable. You may opt out of future payments at any time, which will result in the cancellation of your membership.

3. WCG Updates & Contact Information

All updates will be communicated via email and the WCG website. Members should regularly check the website and may contact a Shura member via email or phone for any queries.

Contact Details:
Members must provide accurate personal details, including name, address, mobile and/or landline number, and email address. Any changes must be reported to a Shura member or emailed to WCG without delay.

4. WCG Payments / Late Payments

  • Annual subscription fees must be paid online or by direct debit/standing order.
    Use the reference format: membership number, initial, and surname (e.g. 1989 M Ali).
    Incorrect references may delay processing.

  • Payment window: 1st June to 30th June.
    Payments after this date will not be accepted unless a late payment plan has been pre-agreed due to extenuating circumstances.

  • Cleared funds: All payments must clear into the WCG account by 30th June. Unarranged late payments will be returned.

  • Reminders: Courtesy reminder emails may be sent prior to the deadline. However, it remains the member’s responsibility to pay on time and to ensure contact details are current.

  • If you require assistance, please contact any Shura member via email or phone. Help us to help you, in sha’ Allah.

5. WCG New Membership Application Guidelines

  • Eligibility: Only children of current members originally from Ghorgushti are eligible to apply.
    Grandchildren are not eligible unless their parents are also WCG members.

  • Age Limit: Applicants must be under 40 years of age.

  • Application Period: Applications are accepted online from 1st to 30th June via welfarecg.com, and must be submitted by email with proof of ID (passport or driving licence).

  • New Arrivals: Those newly arrived in the UK from Ghorgushti may apply within one year of arrival, regardless of visa status. Proof of origin and UK residency is required.

  • Spouse Rule: Spouses over 40 years old are not covered, even if the main applicant is eligible.

6. Late Payment & Membership Cancellation

  • If payment is not received by 30th June, membership will be suspended on that date and coverage will lapse. Members will be marked as “late payers”.

  • If payment is still not received by 31st July, membership will be cancelled with immediate effect.

  • Members must notify WCG in advance if they will be abroad, to ensure payment is arranged.

  • If a member is experiencing hardship, WCG can arrange an approved payment plan.

  • WCG is not obligated to chase members for payment. Reminders are sent as a courtesy only.

  • Rejoining is subject to Shura approval, eligibility (see Rule 9), and the settlement of all arrears and applicable age-related fees.

7. Opting to Leave WCG

Members who voluntarily leave WCG forfeit all rights to reimbursement and death benefits.

8. Rejoining After Cancellation

Former members removed for late or non-payment may only rejoin at the Shura’s discretion. Rejoining must occur within one year of cancellation and will require payment of arrears and applicable age-based fees (see Rule 9).

9. New Membership & Fees Policy

Note: Fees and policies are subject to revision following consultation with the Shura. All decisions are made with fairness and compassion.

  • Eligibility: Applications accepted from children of current members only, during the June application period.

  • Arrears:

    • Males: from age 18

    • Females: from marriage or upon moving out

  • Divorced Women: May apply from the date of divorce. Age-related fees apply.

  • Delays in applying after eligibility will be reviewed and may impact eligibility.

Fee Structure:

  • Age 18 males: £100 one-off fee

  • Ages 19–29: £300 + £50/year in arrears

  • Ages 30–40: £500 + £50/year in arrears

WCG Membership Concessions & Rules

  • Concessions (e.g. discounts) granted to current members do not apply to new applicants. Full arrears must be paid.

  • Both Parents Deceased: The eldest responsible child inherits the membership and is accountable for the fee.

  • Women Marrying or Leaving Home: Must apply for independent membership. Late applications may require review.

  • Divorcees:

    • If previously covered by a parent’s membership, a divorcee returning home may be covered again under that membership.

    • If living independently, she must apply in her own name (see Rule 9).

  • Lineage: All applicants must have at least one parent from Ghorgushti. Memberships are issued in the applicant’s own name.

  • Marriage to Non-Ghorgushti Spouse:

    • Female members retain membership until death.

    • Membership is not transferrable to non-Ghorgushti spouses.

    • May pass to eldest child per Rule 9. Final decisions rest with the Shura.

  • Male Members:

    • Coverage includes their wife, sons under 18, and unmarried daughters (until marriage or moving out).

    • Widowed males can continue membership if Ghorgushti, by paying fees without break.

10. Male Children Aged 18+

Must apply for their own membership. Late applications incur arrears and are subject to Shura approval.

11. Widows of Members

May continue the membership of their late husband, provided there is no break in subscription. This includes sons under 18 and unmarried daughters at home.

12. Widows of Non-Members

Are not eligible for coverage, even if their sons are WCG members.

13. Divorced Wives

Must apply for their own membership. Shura discretion applies to applicants over 40 or in special cases.

14. Daughters Marrying Outside Ghorgushti

Must apply independently. Husbands are covered under her membership. Age-related fees apply.

15. Death of a Member

  • If repatriating from England to Pakistan:

    • One relative’s return airfare covered

    • Additional £500 support

  • If the member or dependent dies in the UK:

    • Funeral expenses paid directly to funeral director upon receipt of invoice

  • If the member dies in Pakistan:

    • Legal heir reimbursed for airfare + £500 (ticket proof required)

  • No repatriation from outside England/Pakistan

  • Death away from home in England:

    • Transport arranged to registered UK address

  • Death of a child under 5:

    • Burial and coffin costs covered; funeral director fees not included

16. Death in Pakistan of a Dependent

WCG is not responsible for costs related to the death of a dependent abroad.

  • UK deaths: Prior quotes must be submitted if using external undertakers. WCG pays only if costs are comparable to its partner provider.

  • WCG does not issue receipts for bereavement claims.

17. Members with Multiple Wives

  • Only one spouse per member is covered.

  • If multiple wives survive the member, the benefit is shared equally and annual payments continue.

18. Voluntary Financial Contributions

WCG encourages Lillah donations from families of deceased members and other contributors.

19. Amendments to WCG Rules

Any proposed rule changes must be submitted to the Shura and may be reviewed at the AGM. Final decisions are made through consultation (Mashwara).

20. Member Conduct

  • All members must respect WCG decisions. Failure to do so may result in termination of membership.

21. Code of Conduct

WCG operates by the principles of mercy as taught in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
All Shura members serve voluntarily and sincerely.

  • Abusive or rude behaviour will not be tolerated.

  • Offenders may be warned or removed.

  • Cooperation is essential for payments and admin processes.

Members must:

  • Pay annual fees on time (by 30th June)

  • Use the correct reference (see Rule 4)

  • Retain proof of payments

  • Respect WCG and support it with compassion and fairness

All members and applicants are treated equally. Please support us in continuing this service, in sha’ Allah.