New Haj Policy 2025 : HCoI for Hajj once in life, 70% quota.
In a major announcement, the Government of India has introduced a new Haj policy 2025, bringing significant changes to the way Indian Muslims can perform this sacred pilgrimage. According to the new rules, Indian Muslims will be allowed to undertake the Haj pilgrimage through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) only once in their lifetime.
Key Changes in the New Haj Policy
The new policy, as reported by Kashmir News Observer (KNO), aims to ensure a fair and smooth pilgrimage experience for all. It introduces several important regulations regarding seat allocation, eligibility, and the procedures for performing Haj. Let’s break down the main points:
- One-Time Haj Pilgrimage:
- Under the new policy, if you’ve already performed Haj through the HCoI, you won’t be eligible to apply again. However, there are certain exemptions to this rule.
- Exemptions for Specific Cases:
- Companions and Mehrams: If you’re accompanying a female pilgrim as a “Mehram” (male guardian) or if you’re a companion for someone aged 65 or older, you may be allowed to perform Haj more than once. However, this will require payment of additional charges.
- Older Pilgrims: The policy recognizes that Haj is a physically demanding journey, often involving walking up to 25 kilometers a day in the harsh climate of Saudi Arabia. To ensure the safety and comfort of older pilgrims (65 years and above), the policy mandates that they must be accompanied by a companion aged 18 to 60 years.
- Specific Rules for Lady Pilgrims:
- Female pilgrims aged 45 and above, who are traveling without a Mehram, are allowed to travel in groups. Special provisions have been made to ensure their safety and accommodation during the pilgrimage.
- Reserved Category for Older Pilgrims:
- Pilgrims aged 65 or above will now be registered under a Reserved Category, ensuring they receive priority. However, these pilgrims cannot travel alone—they must be accompanied by a companion who is an immediate relative, such as a spouse, sibling, or child.
Allocation of Haj Quota
The new policy also revises the distribution of Haj seats:
- 70% of the seats will be allocated to the Haj Committee of India.
- 30% will be managed by private Haj Group Organizers (HGOs).
This marks a change from 2024, where the HCoI handled 80% of the seats.
Enhanced Convenience for Pilgrims
To make the pilgrimage more convenient, the policy introduces the ‘Haj Suvidha’ App. This app will provide Indian pilgrims with easy access to important information, such as training content, accommodation and flight details, an emergency helpline, and more. Pilgrims can also fill out their Haj Application Forms (HAFs) directly through the HCoI website, which is accessible via mobile phones.
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Conclusion
The Government of India’s new Haj policy for 2025 brings about significant changes, particularly the one-time pilgrimage rule, which aims to provide an equal opportunity for all Muslims in India to perform Haj. While the policy introduces stricter regulations, it also ensures the safety, comfort, and convenience of pilgrims, especially the elderly and women traveling without a Mehram. For more information or to apply for the Haj pilgrimage, visit the official HCoI website.
FAQs
What is the new rule regarding the Haj pilgrimage under the 2025 policy?
- The new Haj policy for 2025 allows Indian Muslims to perform the Haj pilgrimage through the Haj Committee of India only once in their lifetime.
Are there any exemptions to the one-time Haj rule?
- Yes, exemptions are available for companions and “Mehrams” (male guardians) accompanying female pilgrims or those aged 65 and above. However, additional charges may apply.
What are the new requirements for pilgrims aged 65 or older?
- Pilgrims aged 65 or older must be accompanied by a companion aged between 18 and 60 years. They cannot travel alone under the Reserved Category.
How is the Haj quota distributed under the new policy?
- The 2025 Haj policy allocates 70% of seats to the Haj Committee of India and 30% to private Haj Group Organizers.
What convenience features are introduced for pilgrims under the new policy?
- The ‘Haj Suvidha’ App has been launched to provide easy access to training, accommodation details, emergency helplines, and more, enhancing the convenience of the pilgrimage.
