Hajj Policy 2027 launched: applications open on Hajj Committee portal
Synopsis
India has launched Hajj Policy 2027 over a year before the pilgrimage, with applications already open online. The policy adds AI-driven pilgrim support, tightens medical screening, expands the Short Hajj Package to Kolkata, and improves the inspector-to-pilgrim ratio — all backed by India's first-ever Labbaytum Award win from Saudi Arabia.
Key Takeaways
Hajj Policy 2027 was announced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on 22 June 2026 .
Applications are open on the Hajj Committee of India portal (hajcommittee.gov.in) and the Hajj Suvidha App .
Total quota stands at 1,75,025 — split 70:30 between the Hajj Committee ( 1,22,518 ) and private operators ( 52,507 ).
State Hajj Inspector ratio improved from 1:150 to 1:135 pilgrims.
Kolkata added as an embarkation point for the Short Hajj Package .
India won two Labbaytum Awards from Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026 — the first time India received the distinction.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs on Monday, 22 June 2026 formally released the Hajj Policy 2027, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announcing that the Hajj Committee of India has begun accepting applications from prospective pilgrims. The policy opens the door for 1,75,025 pilgrims — the same overall quota as last year — with the government indicating it will pursue an increase with Saudi Arabia.
How to Apply
Applications for Hajj 2027 can now be submitted online through the official Hajj Committee of India portal (hajcommittee.gov.in) and the Hajj Suvidha App. The digital-first approach is aimed at making the process more flexible, simpler, and accessible to pilgrims across the country.
The quota split between the Hajj Committee of India and the private sector remains at the existing 70:30 ratio — 1,22,518 seats for the Committee and 52,507 for private operators. The Ministry has signalled that efforts are underway to raise the overall ceiling beyond last year's figure.
Key Changes in Hajj Policy 2027
The new policy builds on reforms introduced during Hajj 2026, including sofa-cum-beds in Mina, high-speed train travel between Makkah and Madinah, hotel-style accommodation in Makkah, and the 20-day Short Hajj Package. For 2027, Kolkata has been added as an embarkation point for the Short Hajj Package, which saw strong demand in its debut year.
On-ground support has been strengthened by revising the State Hajj Inspector ratio from one inspector per 150 pilgrims to one per 135 pilgrims. Medical screening will be aligned with Saudi guidelines, ensuring individuals with chronic medical conditions are not cleared to travel — a measure aimed at prioritising pilgrim health and safety.
To address waitlist concerns, preference will be given to the top 20 per cent of final waitlisted applicants from Hajj 2026.
AI and Technology Integration
The Ministry is pursuing artificial intelligence (AI) interventions for end-to-end pilgrim management. These include AI-assisted application and document verification, demand modelling for flight allocation, and real-time grievance tracking. A conversational AI assistant is planned to provide round-the-clock support in Hindi, Urdu, and major regional languages — covering applications, payments, flights, accommodation, baggage, grievances, and emergencies.
Integration with the Saudi Nusuk platform is also envisaged to ensure seamless coordination between Indian and Saudi systems.
India's Recognition and What's Next
The Indian Hajj Mission was awarded two Labbaytum Awards by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the 'Best Hajj Coordination and Communication' category for Hajj 2026 — the first time India has received such a distinction. The announcement follows a Hajj Review Meeting chaired by Rijiju on 18 June 2026, where Hajj 2026's conduct was assessed and the Hajj 2027 roadmap was finalised.
Rijiju urged all eligible pilgrims to apply within prescribed timelines and directed the Hajj Committee and concerned agencies to ensure a smooth and transparent process. The Ministry said the early announcement reflects its commitment to timely preparation and adherence to timelines set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Point of View
The quota has not grown — at 1,75,025, it remains unchanged from 2026 — and the government's stated intent to 'pursue an increase' lacks a timeline or diplomatic specificity. The Labbaytum Award is a genuine credibility marker, but the real test will be whether AI interventions and the tightened inspector ratio translate into measurable on-ground improvements, or remain policy-document aspirations.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for Hajj 2027?
Applications for Hajj 2027 can be submitted online through the Hajj Committee of India portal at hajcommittee.gov.in or via the Hajj Suvidha App. The Ministry of Minority Affairs opened applications on 22 June 2026.
What is the total Hajj quota for India in 2027?
India's total Hajj quota for 2027 stands at 1,75,025 pilgrims — the same as in 2026. Of these, 1,22,518 seats are allocated to the Hajj Committee of India and 52,507 to private operators, maintaining the existing 70:30 split.
What are the key new features in Hajj Policy 2027?
Hajj Policy 2027 introduces a tightened State Hajj Inspector ratio of 1 per 135 pilgrims (up from 1 per 150), expands the Short Hajj Package to Kolkata, tightens medical screening aligned with Saudi guidelines, and plans AI-assisted pilgrim support in Hindi, Urdu, and regional languages.
What is the Labbaytum Award that India won?
The Labbaytum Award is a recognition given by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. India's Hajj Mission received two such awards for Hajj 2026 under the 'Best Hajj Coordination and Communication' category — the first time India has received this distinction.
Who is eligible for waitlist preference in Hajj 2027?
The top 20 per cent of final waitlisted applicants from Hajj 2026 will be given preference in the Hajj 2027 allocation, as part of a measure to address longstanding waitlist concerns fairly.
