India's New Haj Policy 2025: Key Changes & Guidelines

The Indian government has revised the Haj policy for 2025, altering the quota distribution between the Haj Committee of India and private Haj Group Organisers from 80:20 to 70:30. The new policy prioritizes applicants over 65, requires companions for older pilgrims, and introduces a 'Haj Suvidha' App for ease and convenience.

The Indian government has unveiled the Haj Policy for 2025, which brings significant changes to the pilgrimage process. Under the new policy, 70% of the total Haj pilgrims quota will be managed by the Haj Committee of India (HCoI), while the remaining 30% will be allocated to private Haj Group Organisers. This marks a shift from the 2024 policy, where the ratio was 80:20 in favor of HCoI.

One of the notable changes is the prioritization of applicants aged 65 and above, followed by ladies traveling without mehrams (LWM) and the general category. The policy specifies that pilgrims aged 65 or older must have a companion, who can be an immediate relative, with specific age criteria outlined for companions.

The policy also introduces a 'Haj Suvidha' App to provide greater convenience to pilgrims. It aims to offer access to training content, accommodation, flight details, emergency helpline, grievance redressal, feedback, language translation, and other relevant information. Pilgrims are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the App, and advisories on its functionality will be issued periodically by HCoI.

The Government of India and Saudi Arabia have signed a bilateral agreement, allocating a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for India's annual Haj pilgrimage in 2024, ensuring seamless coordination for the pilgrimage season.

(With inputs from agencies.)