Hajj 2025: Kashmiri pilgrims in limbo as Saudi slashes India’s private quota by 80%

Srinagar, Apr 14: Thousands of Hajj hopefuls across Jammu and Kashmir have been plunged into uncertainty after Saudi Arabia slashed India’s private Hajj quota by 80%, leaving over 52,000 pilgrims—many from the Valley—in limbo.
Several pilgrims who had received confirmations from private Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) now face doubts over their eligibility, with many having already deposited payments and completed mandatory formalities.
The drastic cut in quota—reportedly part of Saudi Arabia’s crowd-control measures—has disrupted the plans of many who had already deposited money and completed formalities. Visa suspensions for Umrah travelers have also worsened the situation, particularly for Kashmiris.
An official from the J&K Hajj Committee said that around 550 pilgrims are currently expected to travel through private arrangements. He added that all pilgrims must verify whether their selected Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) are officially recognized and allotted slots.
This year, 4,100 people from J&K applied for Hajj 2025. The first draw selected 3,601 applicants, with 21 women added under the Mahram (no-male guardian) quota, taking the confirmed total to 3,622.
Last year, the union territory had received 8,345 slots, with 7,008 people eventually performing the pilgrimage. The current year’s drastic quota cut for private operators is expected to significantly reduce those numbers.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, via his office’s social media handle on “X” said, “The reported cancellation of over 52,000 Hajj slots, despite completed payments, is deeply troubling. I request the External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar to raise this urgently with Saudi officials.”
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, also confirmed that the Ministry of External Affairs has already initiated discussions with Saudi authorities to resolve the issue.
Reacting to the development, NC leader Dr Farooq Abdullah urged the Prime Minister to intervene. “We need the PM to speak to the Saudi authorities. There are also employment issues linked to this,” he said, adding that Omar Abdullah should formally write to the Centre on the matter.