Did Saudi Crown Prince Salman favour Pakistan regarding Hajj quota? For India only … while for Pakistan more than …

Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia has cut 80 percent of the quota for Indian Muslims in the private Hajj scheme, allowing only 10,000 to go for the pilgrimage. Meanwhile, about 24,000 Pakistani Muslims will be able to benefit from it. This move by the Saudi government has affected approximately 42,000 Indian Muslims. According to a report by the Pakistani news channel Sama TV, a spokesperson for the Pakistani Ministry stated that this year, only 23,620 people will be able to travel under the private Hajj scheme, and service providers should remain updated on the Pak Hajj app to keep them informed about every update.

He mentioned that all companies should share all updates regarding Hajj with the pilgrims. The ministry stated that all operators must complete all processes related to issuing visas for Hajj pilgrims by April 18, as the Saudi government has strict instructions regarding this.

India received a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for Hajj this year, out of which the responsibility for arranging accommodations for 1,22,518 pilgrims was assigned to the Ministry of Minority Affairs through the Hajj Committee, while a quota of 52,507 pilgrims was allotted to private operators. This year, the government has linked over 800 private tour operators with 26 legal entities, referred to as Combined Hajj Group Operators (CHGO). The quota of 52,507 pilgrims was given to CHGO, which was supposed to manage all arrangements for these groups. The ministry allocated the quota to CHGO well in advance. The government claims that despite reminders, CHGO failed to adhere to Saudi Arabia’s essential deadline, which led to issues for 42 thousand pilgrims.

CHGO has to arrange transport, accommodation, and essential things including camps for the pilgrims. The government has stated that due to delays, the available space in Mina is no longer vacant. However, considering the concerns of the people, the government has talked to the Saudi Hajj ministry, which has agreed to reopen the Hajj portal, Nusuk, for CHGO. However, CHGO will only be able to complete its arrangements on Nusuk for 10,000 pilgrims. Saudi Arabia has canceled the Mina zone for India’s private tour operators. Mina is a tent city near Mecca, where pilgrims stay for four days during Hajj and perform Hajj-related rituals.

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