Saudi Arabia has reduced the quota of Indian Hajj by 80 percent, leaving thousands of anguished and uncertain Indian pilgrims about their travel plans.
The Saudi government canceled around 52,000 private slotted Hajj in India, which led Jammu and Kashmir to the principal minister and other high -ranking political leaders to express their concerns.
The measure is seen as part of the Saudi government multitude management strategy, which includes travel restrictions and the suspension of visa issuance to 14 countries, including India.
Expressing his group about the Saudi movement, Prime Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday to X and published: “The cancellation reported Hajj spaces for 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is Deeledonce.”
He urged Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar to interact with the Saudi authorities to explore a resolution as soon as possible.
“This measure is crucial to relieve the anguish of thousands with the hope of undertaking the sacred pilgrimage this year,” Abdullah published.
The informed cancellation of the Hajj spaces for more than 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of which have already completed payments, is deeply worrying. I urge honor minister or external affairs @Drsjaishankar To commit to the Saudi authorities as soon as possible to explore a resolution in …
– Office of the Principal Minister, J & K (@CM_JNK) April 13, 2025
The leader of the PDP and former Prime Minister Mehbooba Mufti wrote in X, “the disturbing news that arise from Saudi Arabia. The reports indicate that 80 percent of the private quota of Haj of India has been cut abruptly. This sudden and tours decisors decisors.
Anguish among pilgrims
The decision of the Saudi authorities has left many Hajj private pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmira due to the last minute reduction in the quota.
Umar Nazir Tibet Baqal, secretary of the Association of Tour Organizers of All Jammu and Kashmir Hajj-Umrah. Business lineThat the decision has caused mental stress for both pilgrims and tour operators.
“It’s last minute decision. Pilgrims were forced to leave on April 29,” Baqal said.
He said that the tour operators and the organizers were in a dilemma, since they were not sure who to choose who to leave now.
Baqal said the decision also had great financial implications for tour operators.
Posted on April 15, 2025