The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has agreed to reopen the Hajj (Nusuk) Portal for Combined Hajj Group Operators (CHGOs), allowing 10,000 additional Indian pilgrims to join the Hajj pilgrimage. This decision follows the intervention of India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) after a setback concerning the quota for pilgrims.
Review of Hajj Preparations
Last week, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, visited Saudi Arabia to review Hajj preparations. The visit was focused on ensuring a smooth process for Indian pilgrims ahead of Hajj 2025.
Issues and Intervention
The government had been informed that some CHGOs had missed critical deadlines and failed to finalize necessary contracts for accommodation and transportation in Mina, resulting in delays and uncertainty for around 52,000 pilgrims. However, after India’s intervention, Saudi Arabia agreed to reopen the portal to accommodate 10,000 additional pilgrims.
Hajj Quota Allocation for 2025
For Hajj 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has allotted a total of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India. Of this, 70% will be handled by the Hajj Committee of India, and the remainder will be distributed to private Hajj Group Organisers. The revised process will allow pilgrims who were previously left out due to delays to complete their applications and join the pilgrimage.
Key Dates for Hajj 2025
Hajj 2025 is likely to be held between June 4 and June 9, 2025, depending on the moon sighting that determines the start of Zil-Hajj, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
Bilateral Discussions and Future Plans
The Ministry of Minority Affairs also highlighted that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Saudi Arabia earlier in January to discuss further arrangements, including the Bilateral Agreement for Hajj 2025 and meetings with Saudi officials. These engagements aim to ensure a smooth and well-organized pilgrimage for Indian Muslims.
