Privacy Policy

1. Introduction to Our Privacy Commitment

Makkah Group of Hostels ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This comprehensive Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, register for accommodation, or use our services in Lahore, Pakistan.

By accessing or using our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. We prioritize your privacy as a student or resident seeking accommodation in Lahore.

2. Information We Collect from Students and Residents

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Personal information: Full name, date of birth, CNIC/NICOP number, contact details (phone, email, address)
• Academic information: University name, program of study, year of study, student ID
• Emergency contact information: Name, relationship, and contact details of emergency contacts
• Payment information: For security deposit and monthly rent payments (processed securely)
• Photographs and identification documents: For verification and security purposes

We also collect information automatically when you use our services, such as IP address, browser type, device information, and website usage data to improve our services.

3. How We Use Your Information for Hostel Services

We use the information we collect to provide and improve our hostel services:

• Process your accommodation application and reservation at our Lahore hostels
• Verify your identity through the mandatory Punjab Police verification system
• Communicate with you about your application status, stay, and hostel updates
• Process payments and manage billing for your accommodation
• Ensure the safety and security of our premises and all residents
• Comply with legal obligations and government regulations in Pakistan
• Improve our services, user experience, and website functionality

4. Punjab Police Verification Process

We only share the minimum necessary information required for verification purposes. The Punjab Police will use this information solely for the purpose of conducting background checks as required by law. This process helps ensure the safety of our community at Makkah Group of Hostels in Lahore.

5. Data Security Measures for Student Information

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data both in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Regular security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and software updates
• Strict access controls limiting who can view your information to authorized personnel only
• Secure storage of physical documents in locked facilities with restricted access
• Employee training on data protection and privacy best practices

6. Data Retention Policy

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by Pakistani law. After your stay ends, we will retain certain information as required by legal, tax, or regulatory obligations.

Typically, we retain application and personal data for 5 years after your stay concludes, unless legal requirements necessitate longer retention. Financial records are retained for 7 years as required by Pakistani tax regulations.

7. Your Privacy Rights as a Student or Resident

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Withdraw consent where we are relying on consent to process your information
• Object to processing of your personal information
• Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Request data portability of information you provided to us

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@makkahgroupofhostels.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days as required by applicable data protection regulations.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. Your continued use of our services after any modifications to this Privacy Policy will constitute your acknowledgment of the modifications and your consent to abide by the updated terms.

9. Contact Us Regarding Privacy Concerns

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, need to exercise your rights, or have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly and thoroughly.