Srinagar, Jul 12: The Ministry of Minority Affairs has notified the Haj Policy 2026, laying down the regulatory framework for the conduct of Haj pilgrimage from India.As per the policy document, 70 per cent of the total Haj quota allotted to India by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be handled by the Haj Committee of India, while the remaining 30 per cent will be allocated to registered Haj Group Organisers (HGOs). “Out of the total number of quotas allocated to the Government of India, 70% will be allocated to the HCoI and the remaining 30% to HGOs,” the policy states.Applicants who have already performed Haj through HCoI are ineligible for future applications, except in cases where they are acting as Mehrams or companions for pilgrims aged 65 and above. Submitting false information or concealing previous participation will result in disqualification, forfeiture of deposits, and possible legal action. “Any person found to have furnished false information shall not be allowed to proceed for Haj… He/she may be prosecuted for making an incorrect or false declaration,” the document notes.The policy requires all pilgrims aged 65 years and above to be accompanied by a family member aged between 18 and 60 years. In the case of Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) aged 65 or above, a female companion aged between 45 and 60 years is required. “It has been decided that a female companion aged 45 to 60 years is a must for LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above… No LWM pilgrim aged 65 or above will be registered individually,” it states.Women aged 45 years and above whose school of thought permits travel without a male guardian may apply in groups of four or more. Single LWM applicants may be grouped by the HCoI, and accommodation will be arranged separately by the Consulate General of India, Jeddah.The policy affirms the use of the ‘Haj Suvidha’ mobile application, which offers access to training material, accommodation and flight details, helpline services, and translation assistance. A smart wristband may also be issued to pilgrims to support location tracking, health monitoring, and daily schedule notifications. “A Haj Suvidha smart wrist band may be issued… to enhance the effectiveness of Haj Suvidha App for pilgrims,” the policy mentions.
It said that applications are to be submitted online through the Haj Committee website or the mobile app. Eligibility is restricted to Indian Muslim citizens holding valid machine-readable passports. Children below 12 years of age, pregnant women in advanced stages, individuals with certain medical conditions, and those with court-imposed travel restrictions are not eligible.The policy introduces a Short Haj Package with a total stay of 20 days for up to 10,000 pilgrims. This option will be available at designated embarkation points, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. In case of oversubscription, a separate computerised draw of lots will be held.Selection will be conducted through Qurrah (draw of lots) where required, with priority given in the following order: pilgrims aged 65 and above (including LWMs), LWM applicants aged 45–65, and general category applicants.“Pilgrims in Category-1 will be given first priority for allocation of seats,” the document states.It further said that all applicants must undergo a two-stage medical screening, once at the time of application and again at the embarkation point. Vaccination against meningitis and polio is mandatory. Pilgrims aged 60 and above will be subject to an additional medical screening in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It also said that a total of 17 embarkation points have been designated, including Srinagar, Gaya, Lucknow, Indore, and Calicut. Pilgrims must provide two preferences. The Ministry of Minority Affairs reserves the right to reallocate embarkation points based on operational feasibility.As per the document, the accommodation will be arranged through the Consulate General of India, Jeddah. All pilgrims will be charged uniformly for the duration of the Haj season, regardless of individual stay lengths. Those eligible for Rubat accommodation will not be charged or will be refunded in accordance with prevailing rules.It said that payments must be made using the unique bank reference number issued by HCoI. Cancellations must be submitted through the respective State or Union Territory Haj Committees. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed within a month.It also said that the Haj Committee of India operates under the Haj Committee Act, 2002, and on a no-profit, no-loss basis. It does not fall within the scope of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Compensation for service-related deficiencies will not be applicable except where statutory responsibilities are not met.The Ministry has provided for the nomination of State Haj Inspectors (SHIs) and authorised the deployment of volunteers, including members of the Indian diaspora, to assist pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.The policy also includes provisions for persons with disabilities, who must travel with a medically fit relative. Support will be provided by the Indian Haj Mission where needed.
