Haji 2025: India allocates 175,000 slot machines, but private travel agencies cannot meet the requirements

According to the Ministry of Ethnic Minority Affairs, India’s quota for 2025 has been set at 1,75,025. It was one year in office for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a significant increase from the 1,36,020 pilgrimage slot machines allocated in 2014. The ministry confirmed that the arrangement of pilgrims based on the main quota has been completed, according to Saudi Arabia’s guidelines.

The Ministry of Ethnic Minority Affairs said in an article on X: “The Indian government will promote a high priority for Indian Muslim pilgrimage. Due to ongoing efforts, India’s haj quota has risen from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in 2025, with restrictions being made through Saudi Eroperition every year.”

For Haji in 2025, travel under the main quota as 1,22,518 pilgrims Indian Haji Commission. The ministry said preparations covering flights, transportation, MINA camps, accommodation and related services have been completed.

The remaining quotas have been allocated to 26 consolidated HAJ Group Operators (CHGOs), a merger of more than 800 private operators. This merger is consistent with the latest Saudi regulations. The Ministry noted that the allocation was carried out in advance.

However, CHGO failed to meet the deadline set by Saudi authorities. “CHGO failed to reach the critical deadlines as per the critical Saudi deadlines and could not determine the contracts required for Mina camps, accommodation and transportation, despite repeated reminders,” the ministry said.
Due to the delays, Saudi Hayi Ministry expressed concerns about the space supply in Mina and the safety of pilgrims, especially considering extreme heat. According to the Ministry’s statement: “The Saudi side informs that due to delays, the Mina space has been occupied and no deadline will be given to any country this year.”
After ministerial discussions between India and Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Haji ministry has agreed to reopen the Haj (Nusuk) portal to 10,000 pilgrims. This is based on the current availability in MINA.
“Thanks to government intervention, Saudi Haji’s ministry has agreed to reopen the Gorges portal to accommodate 10,000 pilgrims based on the current availability of Mina.

HAJ 2025 is scheduled to be held from June 4 to June 9.