August 7, 2024
1 min read

India releases new Haj policy, adjusts quota

70 percent of the quota will now be managed by the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) and the remaining 30 percent allocated to private Haj Group Organisers…reports Asian Lite News

Under the new Haj Policy for 2025, India has revised the allocation of its Haj pilgrims quota, with 70 percent managed by the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) and the remaining 30 percent allocated to private Haj Group Organisers. This marks a change from 2024, when the HCoI was responsible for 80 percent of the quota and private groups handled 20 percent.

The policy prioritises different groups for the pilgrimage. In 2024, priority was given to applicants aged 70 and above, ladies traveling without mehrams (LWM), and the general category. The new policy adjusts this to prioritise pilgrims aged 65 and above, followed by LWM applicants, and then the general category.

A significant change is the requirement for older pilgrims to have companions. The policy stipulates that pilgrims aged 65 or above must travel with a companion and cannot be registered as lone members. Companions must be immediate family members and be below 60 years of age. For LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above, the companion must be a female aged between 45 and 60 years.

The policy also introduces a ‘Haj Suvidha’ App, launched during Haj-2024, to enhance the convenience and support for Indian pilgrims. The app provides access to training content, accommodation, flight and baggage details, emergency helpline (SOS), grievance redressal, feedback, language translation, and other relevant information.

Haj Application Forms (HAFs) can be completed online via the HCoI website, accessible on mobile phones. The Indian government and Saudi Arabia sign an annual bilateral agreement specifying the number of Haj seats allocated to India. For 2024, India was allotted a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims under this agreement.

ALSO READ: Wayanad Disaster: Search Continues, 387 Dead

Previous Story

Pinarayi vows ‘world-class’ rehabilitation for Wayanad

Next Story

TRAI targets spam calls, demands telecom action

Latest from -Top News

‘Kill and Dump’ Haunts Balochistan Again

The latest killings have reignited accusations of extrajudicial executions and the use of counterterrorism laws to cover up custodial deaths in Balochistan….reports Asian Lite News Concerns have deepened across Balochistan following the

‘ASEAN Expands, But Keeps Its Soul’

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan urged ASEAN to uphold its unity and strategic resolve amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and mounting external pressures…reports Asian Lite News Consensus and inclusivity will remain the cornerstones

Bangladesh bends to beat Trump’s blow

Dhaka seeks compromise as Trump’s 35% tariff looms large over key exports; Washington urges worker protections, factory relocation to US…reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh has opened the second round of critical trade

China seethes as US lands F-35s in PH

As US F-35 jets land in the Philippines for the first time, Manila cements its frontline role in Washington’s power play against rising China….reports Asian Lite News The Philippines is rapidly cementing
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Defence panel visits Indian Navy’s training facility at INS Chilka

The SCOD members appreciated the training methodology and the efforts

India at UNSC meet calls for inclusive dispensation in Afghanistan

The Ambassador also emphasised that over the last two decades,