New Delhi, April 15: The Government of India has successfully negotiated with Saudi authorities to re-open the Haj (Nusuk) Portal, allowing 10,000 additional Indian pilgrims to proceed under the Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs) category, despite earlier setbacks.
India’s Haj quota, which has steadily increased from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in 2025, is finalized annually by Saudi Arabia. Of this, the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), through the Haj Committee of India, is managing arrangements for 122,518 pilgrims this year, ensuring comprehensive preparation in line with Saudi guidelines.
The remaining quota was allocated to private operators, now consolidated into 26 CHGOs as per updated Saudi regulations. However, the CHGOs failed to meet key deadlines and did not finalize essential contracts for accommodation, Mina camps, and transport, despite repeated reminders from MoMA.
Saudi authorities, citing safety concerns due to high temperatures and space limitations in Mina, initially declined deadline extensions. However, following high-level intervention by the Indian government, including ministerial engagement, Saudi Arabia agreed to re-open the Haj Portal for limited accommodation of 10,000 pilgrims.
MoMA has issued urgent instructions to CHGOs to expedite the remaining process without delay. The Government of India has expressed gratitude to Saudi authorities and remains hopeful for further accommodation of pilgrims.
