Saudi Arabia reopens Hajj Portal for 10,000 Indian pilgrims after government intervention

The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) on Tuesday said that the Saudi Hajj Ministry has agreed to reopen the Hajj (Nusuk) Portal for Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs) to allow 10,000 more pilgrims, based on the current availability of space in Mina.

MoMA has given urgent instructions to CHGOs to complete their formalities without any delay.

According to the ministry, CHGOs had missed key deadlines set by Saudi authorities and failed to finalize contracts for camps in Mina, as well as for accommodation and transport, despite being reminded several times.

However, after the Indian government stepped in, the Saudi Hajj Ministry agreed to reopen the portal to accommodate 10,000 pilgrims.

This decision comes shortly after a Times of India report said the Hajj plans of around 52,000 Indian pilgrims were in limbo after Saudi Arabia canceled Mina zones earlier allotted to private tour operators.

As per India’s Haj Policy 2025, 70% of the total Hajj quota will be managed by the Hajj Committee of India, while the remaining 30% will be handled by private Hajj Group Organisers.

The ministry said Saudi Arabia has allotted a total quota of 1,75,025 (1.75 lakh) Hajj pilgrims to India for 2025.

Last week, Minority Affairs Secretary Chandra Shekhar Kumar, along with Joint Secretary CPS Bakshi, visited Jeddah to review India’s Hajj preparations on the ground.

Earlier, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju visited Saudi Arabia from January 11 to 14. During the visit, he took part in key discussions related to Hajj preparations.

His visit included signing the Bilateral Agreement for Hajj 2025, attending the opening session of the Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition, and holding meetings with top Saudi officials.

When is Hajj 2025?

Hajj in 2025 is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9, depending on the sighting of the moon that marks the start of Zil-Hajj, the final month of the Islamic calendar.