Haj 2025: India allotted 1.75 lakh slots, but private tour operators fail to meet requirements

India's Haj quota for 2025 has been fixed at 1,75,025, according to the Ministry of Minority Affairs. This is a significant increase from the 1,36,020 pilgrim slots allotted in 2014, the year Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office. The Ministry confirmed that arrangements for pilgrims under the main quota have been completed as per Saudi Arabia’s guidelines.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs said in a post on X, "The Government of India accords high priority to facilitating the Haj pilgrimage for Indian Muslims. Due to sustained efforts, India's Haj quota has risen from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in 2025—finalized annually by Saudi authorities."



For the 2025 Haj, 1,22,518 pilgrims will travel under the main quota managed by the Haj Committee of India. The Ministry stated that preparations covering flights, transportation, Mina camps, accommodation, and related services have been completed.

The remaining quota has been distributed among 26 Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs), a consolidation of over 800 private operators. This consolidation aligns with updated regulations from Saudi Arabia. The Ministry noted that the allocation was made in advance.

However, the CHGOs failed to meet deadlines set by the Saudi authorities. The Ministry said, "The CHGOs failed to meet critical Saudi deadlines and could not finalize required contracts for Mina camps, accommodation, and transportation—despite repeated reminders."

Due to delays, the Saudi Haj Ministry expressed concerns about space availability in Mina and the safety of pilgrims, especially considering the extreme heat. According to the Ministry’s statement, "The Saudi side informed that due to delays, Mina space was already occupied, and no deadline extensions would be given to any country this year."

Following ministerial-level discussions between India and Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Haj Ministry has agreed to reopen the Haj (Nusuk) Portal for 10,000 pilgrims. This is based on current availability in Mina.

"Thanks to the Government's intervention, the Saudi Haj Ministry has agreed to re-open the Haj (Nusuk) Portal for CHGOs to accommodate 10,000 pilgrims, based on current availability in Mina. MoMA has issued urgent directions to CHGOs to complete their process without delay. India remains appreciative of any further gesture from Saudi authorities to accommodate more pilgrims," the statement read.

Haj 2025 is scheduled to take place from June 4 to June 9.