Bhatkal: More than 52,000 Indian Haj pilgrims — including over 200 from Bhatkal — who registered through private tour operators for Haj 2025, are facing the risk of being excluded from this year’s pilgrimage. Notably, this crisis does not affect those travelling under the government quota, which remains unaffected. The issue is restricted to pilgrims opting for private operators.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs recently issued a circular stating that private tour operators will receive approval for only 20% of their total bookings, leaving the remaining 80% of pilgrims in a state of uncertainty. This decision has caused widespread concern among thousands of intending pilgrims and hundreds of tour operators across the country.

The root of the current crisis lies in the closure of Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk portal, which is essential for booking key Haj services such as accommodation, transportation, and Mina camp arrangements. According to sources, Saudi authorities cancelled Mina zones 1 and 2 due to delayed payments and incomplete agreements. Other zones are also reportedly facing delays.

While the ministry holds private tour operators responsible, many operators claim they completed all necessary payments on time. They allege that the actual delay occurred in the transfer of funds from the Indian ministry to Saudi authorities. Several operators also blamed the lack of coordination between the Indian and Saudi governments for the crisis.

Mina, a crucial component of the Haj pilgrimage, requires a five-day stay in designated camps. The cancellation of these camps has disrupted months of preparation by private tour operators. Though Saudi officials have agreed to temporarily reopen the Nusuk portal, bookings will be allocated on a "first come, first served" basis, with no guarantee of camp availability.

To address the crisis, the Indian Consulate in Medina has set up a helpdesk and instructed Haj Group Organisers (CHGOs) to immediately submit all details along with passports, accommodation records, and payment proofs.

As per the ministry’s new guidelines, each CHGO is allocated only 20% of their quota, while remaining camp space will be equally distributed. However, if the camps reach full capacity, thousands of pilgrims could miss out on staying in Mina — a requirement for the completion of Haj.

Speaking to SahilOnline, a Bhatkal-based private tour operator shared that his company had submitted all documents for 150 pilgrims before February, and had completed all necessary bookings and payments to the Haj Ministry. “We finalized hotels, Mina camps, and transportation three months in advance to avoid price hikes and secure confirmed seats. But if we don’t receive approval now, not only will we suffer losses in crores, but the pilgrims who paid in full will also be deprived of Haj,” he said. “It will also badly affect our company’s credibility.”

He added that pilgrims are expected to begin their journey to Saudi Arabia in early May, while Haj is scheduled for the first week of June. “Time is very short, and with each passing day, the uncertainty is growing.”

Private tour operators across India have taken to social media to raise awareness and appeal to the government for urgent intervention. Several have tweeted to ministers and requested opposition leaders to step in.

Among those who voiced concern was PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Disturbing reports from Saudi Arabia. It is being said that 80% of the private Haj quota for Indian pilgrims has suddenly been slashed. This has caused severe anxiety among pilgrims and tour operators. I urge the Ministry of External Affairs to take up this issue with the Saudi Government immediately.”

Similarly, a statement from former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s office expressed strong reservations over the decision: “I appeal to Hon'ble Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar to immediately engage with Saudi authorities to find a solution that ensures justice for all affected pilgrims.”

India's total Haj quota stands at 1,75,025, out of which 52,507 pilgrims registered through private tour operators. If this crisis is not resolved swiftly, thousands of pilgrims may be forced to cancel their Haj journey, and the government could face intense criticism.

All eyes are now on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22, where there is hope that he may discuss the issue with Saudi officials and find an acceptable resolution to the crisis.