Saudi Arabia’s Cut to Indian Private Hajj Quota Sparks Outcry from Leaders, Leaves 52,000 Pilgrims in Limbo

Saudi Arabia’s abrupt 80% cut in India’s private Hajj quota has jeopardized plans for over 52,000 pilgrims. Political leaders Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah urged India’s external affairs ministry to intervene. The move, tied to accommodation cancellations in Mina, has left tour operators and pilgrims in distress ahead of Hajj 2025.

A sudden and significant reduction in India's private Hajj quota by Saudi Arabia has sparked concern among political leaders and thousands of aspiring pilgrims. Reports indicate an 80% cut in the quota previously allocated to private tour operators, leaving the status of around 52,000 Indian pilgrims uncertain just weeks before the annual pilgrimage.

The development follows the cancellation of key accommodation zones in Mina by Saudi authorities, which had earlier been allotted to private Indian Hajj tour operators. The cutback has created logistical chaos and emotional distress among pilgrims who had already made payments and travel arrangements.

Reacting strongly, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti called the decision "disturbing" and urged India’s Ministry of External Affairs to immediately raise the issue with the Saudi government. She emphasized the urgency of resolving the crisis, citing the anxiety it has caused to both pilgrims and tour operators across the country.

Echoing her sentiments, the office of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also voiced alarm over the reported Hajj slot cancellations. He appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene and work with Saudi officials to reinstate the cancelled quotas or find an alternative solution.

India had earlier signed a Hajj agreement in January 2025, securing a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims. While the government-backed Hajj Committee covers a portion of this, the rest is handled by private operators, many of whom now find themselves without the necessary accommodations for their clients.

Also Read: Coast Guard, ATS Seize ₹1,800 Crore Meth Haul off Gujarat Coast in Major Drug Bust

With Hajj 2025 likely to be observed from June 4 to June 9, Indian pilgrims were expected to begin traveling to Saudi Arabia by late April. As time runs short, the affected parties await diplomatic efforts to resolve the disruption and allow thousands to fulfill their religious duties.