Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia reopens Nusuk Portal for Indian pvt tour operators to accommodate 10,000 more pilgrims
PTC Web Desk: In a significant development for Indian Hajj pilgrims, the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) announced on Tuesday that the Saudi Hajj Ministry has agreed to re-open the Haj (Nusuk) Portal exclusively for Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs) to accommodate an additional 10,000 pilgrims. This move comes after urgent intervention by the Indian government, aiming to resolve issues caused by missed deadlines and coordination lapses on the part of private tour operators.
According to the ministry, several CHGOs failed to meet crucial deadlines set by the Saudi authorities for finalising contracts related to Mina camp bookings, accommodation, and transportation—despite repeated notifications and reminders. The delays placed thousands of Indian pilgrims at risk of being left out of the Hajj pilgrimage this year.
However, following diplomatic outreach and intervention by Indian officials, the Saudi Hajj Ministry has reopened the portal to provide another opportunity for private tour operators to complete the necessary formalities.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has now issued urgent directions to CHGOs to complete their processes without further delay. The reopening of the portal comes as a relief for thousands of pilgrims, especially in light of a recent Times of India report that highlighted uncertainty around the fate of over 52,000 Indian pilgrims after the Saudi government revoked certain Mina zones earlier allocated to private tour operators.
As per the Hajj Policy 2025, India’s total pilgrimage quota has been set at 1,75,025 (1.75 lakh) pilgrims. Of this: 70% of the quota will be managed by the Hajj Committee of India (under government arrangements). The remaining 30% is allocated to private Hajj Group Organisers, including CHGOs. The reopening of the Nusuk portal is expected to help restore a significant portion of the private quota, ensuring more Indian pilgrims can fulfill their spiritual journey this year.
The recent resolution follows a series of high-level engagements between Indian and Saudi authorities. Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, visited Saudi Arabia from January 11 to January 14, where he signed the Bilateral Agreement for Hajj 2025, attended the Hajj and Umrah conference and exhibition and participated in bilateral meetings with key Saudi officials regarding Hajj arrangements.
In a follow-up, MoMA Secretary Chandra Shekhar Kumar, along with Joint Secretary CPS Bakshi, travelled to Jeddah to personally oversee preparations and assess facilities being arranged for Indian pilgrims.
The Hajj pilgrimage for 2025 is tentatively scheduled to take place between June 4 and June 9, contingent on the sighting of the moon that marks the beginning of Zil-Hajj, the final month in the Islamic calendar.
- With inputs from agencies
