The Government of India has introduced a new Haj policy for 2025, which states that Indian Muslims can perform Haj through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) only once in their lifetime.
“Those who have performed Haj earlier through HCoI will not be eligible to apply,” the policy states.
However, there are exemptions for repeated Haj pilgrimages under specific circumstances. Companions and “Mehrams” (male guardians) accompanying female pilgrims and those aged 65 or above can apply again. The policy emphasizes that Haj is an arduous and strenuous pilgrimage, involving walking up to 25 km a day in extremely harsh climatic conditions of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 or above to be accompanied by a companion.
“In the case of ‘Mehram’ for lady pilgrims and companions of the pilgrims aged 65 years or above, including ladies without Mehram (LWM) pilgrims aged 65 years or above, repeaters will be allowed on payment of additional charges as applicable from time to time,” the policy reads.
The policy specifies that the age of the “Mehram” and companions accompanying pilgrims aged 65 years or above must be between 18 and 60 years as of the date specified by HCoI. For companions of LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above, they must be female and between the ages of 45 and 60 years.
The policy document also mentions that if a lady pilgrim or pilgrim aged 65 or above is utilizing the services of a repeater as “Mehram” or companion, she must provide a solemn undertaking that no first-time “Mehram” or companion is available in the family.
The policy maintains the distribution of Haj seats, with 70% allocated to the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) and 30% to Haj Group Organisers (HGOs). It mandates that pilgrims aged 65 or above must be accompanied by a companion aged between 18 and 60 years. Female pilgrims aged 45 or above traveling without a “Mehram” are allowed to travel in groups, with specific provisions for their safety and accommodation.
