The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) on Tuesday announced that India’s Haj quota for 2025 has been increased to 1,75,025, as allocated by Saudi Arabian authorities – a significant rise from 1,36,020 in 2014.

Of this total, 1,22,518 pilgrims will travel under the government quota managed by the Haj Committee of India. “All necessary preparations — including flights, transportation, Mina camps, accommodation, and other services — have been completed as per Saudi guidelines,” the ministry said.

The remaining quota was allotted to 26 Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs), consolidated from over 800 private tour operators in line with updated Saudi regulations. However, the ministry noted that CHGOs failed to meet critical deadlines set by Saudi authorities, missing the window to finalize contracts for accommodation, Mina camps, and transportation, despite repeated reminders.

To address the issue, the Government of India engaged with Saudi authorities at multiple levels, including ministerial discussions. The Saudi Haj Ministry raised concerns regarding pilgrim safety in Mina due to extreme heat and limited space, and informed that no deadline extensions would be granted to any country this year.

Following these interventions, the Saudi Haj Ministry agreed to reopen the Haj (Nusuk) portal for 10,000 additional pilgrims through CHGOs, based on current availability in Mina. MoMA has issued urgent directions to CHGOs to complete the process without delay.

“MoMA has issued urgent directions to CHGOs to complete their process without delay. India remains appreciative of any further gesture from Saudi authorities to accommodate more pilgrims,”the Ministry stated.

The Haj pilgrimage this year is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9.