by Jahangir Sofi
SRINAGAR: The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has officially opened the online application process for Hajj 2025 (1446 H) starting from August 13, 2024. Under the newly introduced Hajj policy, Indian Muslims will now be permitted to perform the pilgrimage through the HCoI only once in their lifetime.
According to a notification from the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee, aspiring pilgrims are urged to carefully review the Hajj Policy and related guidelines for 2025 before submitting their applications online. These resources are available on the HCoI’s official website.
The deadline for submitting applications is September 9, 2024. Applicants are required to possess a Machine-Readable International Passport issued on or before the closing date and valid at least until January 15, 2026.
The HCoI has emphasised that applications will only be accepted online via their website (www.hajcommittee.gov.in) or through the Haj Suvidha mobile app, available on the Google Play Store for Android devices.
Earlier, the Government of India announced that, under the new Hajj policy for 2025, Indian Muslims will only be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage through the HCoI once in their lifetime, with few exceptions.
The revised policy aims to streamline the seat allocation process, enhance eligibility criteria, and implement procedural improvements to ensure a more efficient and equitable Hajj experience.
“Individuals who have previously performed Hajj through the HCoI will not be eligible to reapply,” the policy specifies.
However, the policy allows exceptions for certain groups, including Mehrams (male guardians) accompanying female pilgrims and those aged 65 or older. Repeaters are permitted under these circumstances but are subject to additional charges.
Given the physically demanding nature of the pilgrimage, which can involve walking up to 25 km a day in the extreme climate of Saudi Arabia, pilgrims aged 65 or older must be accompanied by a companion, according to the policy draft.
“For Mehrams of female pilgrims and companions of those aged 65 or older, including Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) pilgrims, repeaters will be allowed upon payment of applicable charges,” the policy states.
The policy further specifies that companions for pilgrims aged 65 or older must be between the ages of 18 and 60 at the time of the pilgrimage. In the case of LWM pilgrims, companions must be female and aged between 45 and 60.
A female pilgrim or a pilgrim aged 65 or older using a repeater as a Mehram or companion must provide a solemn declaration confirming that no first-time Mehram or companion is available in her family.
Regarding seat distribution, the policy allocates 70 per cent of the Hajj slots to the HCoI and 30 per cent to private Haj Group Organisers (HGOs).
The policy also makes provisions for female pilgrims aged 45 or older to travel without a Mehram in groups, with measures in place to ensure their safety and accommodation.
