Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has expressed serious concern over reports that Saudi Arabia has cut 80% of the Hajj quota for India’s private tour operators.
She shared her worries in a post on social media platform X on Sunday, April 13, calling the move sudden and troubling. Mufti urged India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to step in quickly and take up the issue with the Saudi government. She said this unexpected cut has caused problems for both pilgrims and private travel agencies across the country.
“Disturbing news emerging from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that 80% of India’s private Hajj quota has been cut abruptly,” she wrote. “This sudden decision is causing immense distress for pilgrims and tour operators across the country.”
What is Hajj?
Hajj is a religious pilgrimage that Muslims perform once in their lifetime, if they are able to. It takes place every year in Mecca and Medina, the two holy cities in Saudi Arabia, and ends with the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha.
In 2025, Hajj is expected to happen from June 4 to June 9, depending on the sighting of the moon. Pilgrims from India may begin traveling to Saudi Arabia as early as the end of April.
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How Do Indians Go for Hajj?
Indians can go for Hajj in two ways:
- Through the Hajj Committee of India (HCoI), which is a government-run organization.
- Through Private Tour Operators (PTOs), also called Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs).
In 2024, around 1.4 lakh (140,000) Indian pilgrims went for Hajj.
What Was the Hajj Quota for India in 2025?
In January 2025, India signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025. This agreement fixed the Hajj quota for India at 1,75,025 pilgrims. The agreement was signed by Kiren Rijiju, India’s Minister of Minority Affairs, and Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Hajj and Umrah.
“We are committed to providing the best possible services to all our Hajj pilgrims,” Rijiju posted after signing the agreement.
Why Was There a Cut in Private Hajj Quota?
Saudi Arabia has introduced new crowd control measures for Hajj this year. These include visa restrictions for certain countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. However, these new rules mostly apply to regular travel visas and are meant to stop people from performing Hajj without proper registration.
It’s important to note that these restrictions do not affect Indian pilgrims who have valid Hajj visas. But the reported 80% cut in Hajj quota for India’s private pilgrims is still causing concern among tour operators and religious groups.
