Saudi Arabia agrees to accommodate 10,000 Indian pilgrims for Hajj 2025 after a dispute over private quotas.

WORLD NEWS By Aniket Chakraborty Apr 17, 2025 Arrow

The Indian Ministry of Minority Affairs engaged with Saudi authorities after private tour operators lost 52,500 slots for pilgrims.

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The Ministry blames private tour operators for failing to meet Saudi guidelines and timelines for pilgrim arrangements.

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Hajj 2025 will take place from June 4-9, with pilgrims set to start their journey by the end of April.

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The Indian government's intervention helped reopen the Hajj Portal, ensuring 10,000 pilgrims will be accommodated.

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The Ministry of Minority Affairs directed private operators to complete the necessary arrangements urgently.

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India’s Hajj quota increased from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 in 2025, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting the pilgrimage.

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Political leaders like MK Stalin, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti had raised concerns over the slashing of quotas.

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Saudi Arabia has suspended certain visa categories to prevent overcrowding but assured Hajj pilgrims from India will not be affected.

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The government continues to push for more accommodation for Indian pilgrims as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts with Saudi authorities.

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