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Saudi Arabia has slashed Indian Hajj quota by 80 per cent, leaving thousands of Indian pilgrims distressed and uncertain about their travel plans.
The Saudi government cancelled around 52,000 private Hajj slots in India, prompting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and other senior political leaders to voice their concerns.
The move is seen as part of the Saudi government’s crowd management strategy, which includes travel restrictions and the suspension of visa issuance to 14 countries, including India.
Expressing his concern over the Saudi move, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday took to X and posted : “The reported cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is deeply concerning.”
He urged the External Affair Minister S. Jaishankar to engage with Saudi authorities to explore a resolution at the earliest.
“This measure is crucial to ease the distress of thousands hoping to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year,” Abdullah posted.
The reported cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is deeply concerning. I urge Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar to engage with the Saudi authorities at the earliest to explore a resolution in…
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) April 13, 2025
PDP leader and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti wrote on X, “Disturbing news emerging from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that 80 per cent of India’s private Haj quota has been cut abruptly. This sudden decision is causing immense distress for pilgrims and tour operators across the country. Urge the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately intervene by taking up this matter with the Saudi government to seek a resolution. @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar.”
Distress among pilgrims
The decision of Saudi authorities has left many private Hajj pilgrims distressed in Jammu and Kashmir due to the last-minute reduction in quota.
Umar Nazir Tibet Baqal, secretary of the All Jammu and Kashmir Hajj-Umrah Tour Organisers Association told businesslinethat the decision has caused mental stress to both the pilgrims and tour operators.
“It is the last-minute decision. The pilgrims were bound to leave on April 29,” said Baqal.
He said that the tour operators and organisers were left in a quandary as they were unsure of whom to pick and whom to drop now.
Baqal said that the decision also had huge financial implications for the tour operators.
Published on April 15, 2025
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