Synopsis
The Indian government successfully intervened to restore the quota for 10,000 pilgrims for private Haj operators, which was at risk of cancellation due to documentation delays. The Saudi Haj Ministry re-opened the Nusuk Portal to allow Combined Haj Group Operators to finalize necessary arrangements.Key Takeaways
- Saudi Haj Ministry re-opens Nusuk Portal.
- 10,000 pilgrims' quota restored for private operators.
- Indian government's intervention crucial in this matter.
- CHGOs must finalize contracts to comply with regulations.
- Haj quota for India increased from 136,020 to 175,025.
New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) Thanks to the efforts of the Indian government, the Saudi Haj Ministry has provided crucial support to private Haj operators, whose quota for sending approximately 10,000 pilgrims was at risk of being canceled due to documentation delays, an official reported on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) indicated that, in an unusual move, the Saudi Haj Ministry has decided to re-open the Haj Portal (Nusuk Portal) for all Indian Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs) to finalize their arrangements concerning the 10,000 pilgrims.
The portal had previously been shut down because CHGOs did not meet the necessary deadlines set by the Saudi authorities for completing essential contracts, such as those related to Mina camps, accommodations, and transport for pilgrims, as mandated by Saudi regulations.
The Minority Affairs Ministry has now instructed Haj group operators to take full advantage of the special concession granted by the Saudi authorities and to promptly complete the required tasks on the Nusuk Portal.
The issue regarding the 'cancellation' of the quota for private tour operators was highlighted by former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday.
Former J&K Chief Minister and President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, also voiced her concerns regarding this situation.
“I urge the Ministry of External Affairs to promptly intervene and discuss this matter with the Saudi government to find a resolution,” she stated on the social media platform X.
The Minority Affairs Ministry noted that, due to the intervention of the Indian Government, the Haj quota for India has increased from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in 2025.
The quotas are finalized by Saudi authorities closer to the pilgrimage date, the Ministry explained.
The Ministry oversees arrangements for the majority of the quota allocated to India, which currently stands at 122,518 this year.
The remaining more than 52,000 slots of the quota are traditionally granted to private tour operators, according to a statement.
This year, over 800 Private Tour Operators were consolidated into 26 legal entities known as Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs) by the Ministry due to changes in Saudi guidelines.
In addressing legal challenges, the Haj quota was allocated to these 26 CHGOs well ahead of time. However, they did not comply with the necessary timelines set by the Saudi authorities and failed to finalize mandatory contracts, including those for Mina camps, accommodations, and transport for pilgrims.
The Saudi Haj Ministry later communicated that due to these delays, the available space in Mina was fully occupied.
Thanks to the intervention of the Indian Government, the Saudi Haj Ministry has now consented to re-open the Haj Portal (Nusuk Portal) for all CHGOs to complete their tasks concerning 10,000 pilgrims, as stated in an announcement.
