10,000 more Indian pilgrims get permits for Hajj 2025 but Saudi issues strict warnings. Details here
Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun as they arrive at the base of Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the annual hajj pilgrimage | AFP
Bringing cheer to thousands of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has opened its doors for 10,000 more Indian pilgrims this year. The move comes after the Centre approached the Saudi authorities on behalf of the Combined Hajj Group Organisers (CHGOs') who missed the deadlines.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj consented to reopen the Nusuk portal for an additional 10,000 pilgrims, though the quota cut would still affect over 42,000 pilgrims who were to travel for Umrah under the CHGOs. Till last year, over 52,000 slots were allocated to the CHGOs.
Saudi Arabia has slashed India’s private Haj quota by 80%. Out of India’s total quota of 1,75,024 pilgrims, 70% (1,22,517) was allocated to State Hajj Committees and 30% (52,507) to private Hajj operators. However, the Kingdom's revamped Haj policy and stricter compliance protocols caused private players to miss the contract deadlines for Mina camps, accommodation, and transport—crucial components for Hajj arrangements.
Strict Norms
The kingdom tightened its norms, warning citizens, residents and pilgrims of strict action, including huge penalties, in case of Hajj norms violations.
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has stipulated that anyone caught transporting pilgrims without a valid Haj permit will face a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals, which amounts to Rs 2,27,555. Those who transport multiple pilgrims without permits will also face fines per violator.
Besides, violators will also face imprisonment for up to 15 days. The vehicles used to transport pilgrims illegally will be confiscated by court order, and the violators will be publicly named, as part of a wider effort to deter others from breaking the law.
Any pilgrim who violates regulations by attempting to perform Haj without a permit will be served a strict jail term, after which they will be deported. They will also be barred from re-entering the Kingdom for a specified period, under Saudi law.
The 2025 Hajj pilgrimage is provisionally scheduled for June 4–9, based on the moon sighting that marks the beginning of Zil-Hajj, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims will begin to pour into Saudi Arabia as early as the end of April.
Middle East