Mumbai: The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) has announced that, following their intervention, the Saudi Ministry of Haj has agreed to reopen the Nusuk Portal to all Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs) to enable the completion of work for 10,000 private quota pilgrims.
In a statement, MoMA revealed that India has been allocated 175,025 Haj permits for the 2025 season, in consultation with Saudi authorities. Of these, 122,518 permits have been allocated to MoMA for distribution through the Haj Committee of India, while the remaining permits have been given to over 800 private tour operators, who are consolidated into 26 legal entities known as CHGOs.
MoMA further clarified that while the Haj quota was allocated to these CHGOs well in advance, they failed to meet the necessary deadlines set by the Saudi authorities. Specifically, they were unable to finalize mandatory contracts for Mina camps, accommodations, and transport for pilgrims as required under Saudi regulations.
The Saudi Haj Ministry expressed concerns regarding the safety of pilgrims, particularly in Mina, where Haj rituals are performed under extreme summer heat and within limited space. Saudi authorities also emphasized that due to delays, the available space in Mina was fully occupied, and no extension of timelines would be granted this year.
Despite these challenges, MoMA stated that India has been in continuous dialogue with Saudi authorities to resolve the matter.
