India's 2025 Haj policy: Changes in quota, priority for elderly
The Ministry of Minority Affairs on Tuesday released the Haj policy for 2025. It now introduces several key changes, including revising the distribution of pilgrim quotas, giving priority to elderly travelers, and updating requirements for companions, reflecting the government's efforts to better cater to the needs of pilgrims. Here are some of the significant changes in the 2025 Haj policy.
New quota distribution for Haj Committee, private organizers
The first major change in the 2025 policy is the new quota distribution. The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) will now manage 70% of the total quota, while private organizers will handle the remaining 30%. This is a departure from the previous year's policy, where the HCoI managed 80% of the quota and private organizers were responsible for 20%.
Revised priority list for pilgrims
The 2025 Haj policy also introduces a revised priority list for pilgrims. Now, those aged 65 and above willl be given priority, followed by women traveling without mehrams (LWM), and then the general category. This is a change from the 2024 policy, which prioritized those aged 70 and above. Moreover, those above the age of 65 are now mandated to travel with a mehram (companion). No pilgrim in this age group will be registered alone under the reserved category.
New companion requirements for elderly pilgrims
If a pilgrim aged 65 or above is traveling without a mehram, a female companion aged between 45-60 is required. Companions for non-LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above must be immediate relatives such as a spouse, sibling, child, or grandchild. "If husband and wife are travelling in a cover under reserved category, and both are aged 65 or above, they will be allowed two companions,who will be blood relation of the pilgrims," the policy says.
'Haj Suvidha' app launched for convenience of pilgrims
In a bid to enhance convenience for Indian Haj pilgrims, a new app called "Haj Suvidha" has also been launched. The app provides access to training materials, accommodation details, flight and baggage information, emergency help, grievance redressal, feedback, and language translation. Pilgrims can also fill out Haj Application Forms (HAFs) through the HCoI website at hajcommittee.gov.in.
