In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the Government of India announced on Monday that Saudi Arabia has agreed to reopen the Haj portal to accommodate an additional 10,000 Indian pilgrims for the 2025 Haj season. This development follows high-level discussions between Indian and Saudi officials after the latter reportedly reduced India’s original Haj quota, impacting around 52,000 pilgrims.
Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able, and is to be undertaken at least once in a lifetime.
According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has now agreed to reopen the official Nusuk Portal exclusively for the Combined Haj Group Organisers (CHGOs). This will enable CHGOs to make necessary arrangements for 10,000 additional pilgrims based on the remaining capacity in Mina—a key location for performing rituals during the pilgrimage.
“The Government of India engaged with Saudi authorities at multiple levels, including ministerial, to address the issue,” MoMA stated on X (formerly Twitter). The ministry also instructed all CHGOs to act immediately to finalize bookings, logistics, and other formalities. It further expressed hope that if additional space becomes available, Saudi authorities might permit even more Indian pilgrims.
India’s 2025 Haj Quota and Recent Challenges
As per a Press Information Bureau (PIB) bulletin released Tuesday, India received a total Haj quota of 175,025 pilgrims for 2025—up from 136,020 in 2014—thanks to consistent diplomatic efforts. Out of this, the Haj Committee of India under MoMA was allotted 122,518 slots, with all logistical arrangements such as flights, accommodation, and Mina camps already completed under Saudi regulations.
The remaining quota was allocated to Private Tour Operators (PTOs). However, major changes were introduced this year as Saudi Arabia implemented new guidelines. Over 800 PTOs were consolidated into 26 Combined Haj Group Organisers (CHGOs). Unfortunately, many of these CHGOs reportedly missed key deadlines for securing essential contracts like accommodation and transport, leading to complications.
Saudi authorities raised safety concerns, particularly regarding crowd management in Mina—a site with limited space where pilgrims perform rituals in intense summer heat. Due to these concerns and missed deadlines, Saudi Arabia initially declined to extend the operational timeline for any country.
Political Reactions and Public Concern
The decision to reduce India’s Haj slots sparked concern across the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced his alarm and urged swift intervention from the central government.
"The reported cancellation of Haj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already paid, is deeply concerning. I urge the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar to engage with Saudi authorities to find a resolution. It is essential to relieve the distress of thousands who wish to undertake the sacred pilgrimage," Abdullah said in an Instagram post.
With the reopening of the Haj portal for CHGOs, thousands of Indian Muslims now have renewed hope of fulfilling their religious obligation in 2025.