Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah Express Concern Over Reduction in India’s Private Hajj Quota

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have voiced their concerns regarding a reported 80% reduction in India’s private Hajj quota by Saudi Arabia. This abrupt change has caused significant distress among pilgrims and tour operators, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, where many had already made financial commitments.​

Details of the Quota Reduction

According to reports, Saudi Arabia has canceled zones in Mina previously allocated to private tour operators, affecting the pilgrimage plans of approximately 52,000 Indian Muslims. Many of these individuals had already made payments for their Hajj packages, leaving them uncertain about their participation in the upcoming pilgrimage.​

Political Leaders’ Responses

Mehbooba Mufti described the news as “disturbing” and urged the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene promptly. She emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement with Saudi authorities to resolve the issue and alleviate the distress of affected pilgrims.​

Omar Abdullah’s office echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the gravity of the situation and calling for immediate action to address the concerns of thousands of hopeful pilgrims.​

Hajj 2025: Scheduled Dates and Preparations

Hajj 2025 is tentatively scheduled between June 4 and June 9, 2025, depending on the lunar calendar. Pilgrims are expected to begin traveling to Saudi Arabia by late April. The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has extended the deadline for submitting online applications to September 30, 2024, to accommodate more applicants. ​
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In January 2025, India and Saudi Arabia finalized a Hajj agreement, confirming a pilgrimage quota of 175,025 for Indian pilgrims. Of these, 70% were allocated to the HCoI, and 30% to private tour operators. This distribution marked a shift from the previous 80-20 ratio, aiming to streamline the pilgrimage process. ​

The sudden reduction in the private Hajj quota has disrupted the plans of many pilgrims who had already made financial and personal arrangements. It is imperative for the Indian government to engage diplomatically with Saudi authorities to seek a resolution that ensures fair access to the pilgrimage for all affected individuals.