The Biz Reporter
Srinagar/New Delhi, Apr 19: The delay in the opening of the Nusuk portal for 10,000 private Haj seats under the Haj Group Organizers (HGOs) quota has caused widespread dismay and disruption among Haj operators and pilgrims across India, including Kashmir. Despite the April 18 deadline set by Saudi Arabia, the much-needed portal remains inaccessible, leaving thousands of aspiring pilgrims and private tour operators in a state of uncertainty.
The Federation of Haj PTOs of India, which represents private tour operators managing Haj travel, expressed serious concern over the delay. In their plea to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MOMA), the Federation took to social media, stating:
“@KirenRijiju, @MOMAIndia, Respt Sir, Nusuk portal for HGOs hasn’t opened for 10,000 Haj pilgrims. Hope your honour will intervene to restore the total HGO quota of ,507 pilgrims. Thousands of pilgrims are anxiously waiting for a resolution. #Haj2025 #RestoreHajQuota.”
The delay has particularly impacted Hajj and Umrah companies in the Kashmir Valley, leaving the region’s industry in disarray. Many travel operators were counting on finalizing arrangements for Kashmiri pilgrims, who make up a significant proportion of India’s annual Haj pilgrims, but they now face logistical hurdles and mounting uncertainty.
Speaking about the crisis, a representative from a prominent Kashmiri Hajj company stated, “This delay is creating chaos, not just for operators but for the pilgrims who have already made payments and finalized their arrangements. Many of these individuals saved for years to fulfill this sacred obligation, and now their plans hang in limbo.”
Pilgrims, particularly from Kashmir, were hopeful of embarking on their spiritual journey for Haj 2025 but are now deeply anxious about the uncertainty created by the ongoing situation. As Kashmiris traditionally have a strong emotional and religious attachment to the pilgrimage, families eagerly await clarity to move forward with their plans.
The Federation of Haj PTOs of India has called for urgent intervention by Indian authorities to resolve the matter swiftly in coordination with Saudi officials. The restoration of the full HGO quota of 52,507 pilgrims is seen as essential for accommodating the backlog and ensuring that the delays don’t affect the sacred pilgrimage.
Amid the growing dismay, the delay in opening the portal has raised questions over procedural efficiency and logistical preparedness ahead of Haj 2025. Stakeholders have urged greater collaboration between Indian and Saudi authorities to prevent such issues in the future and ensure that the aspirations of pilgrims, particularly from sensitive regions like Kashmir, are fulfilled without unwarranted complications.
As time progresses, thousands of pilgrims await a resolution to secure their participation in this deeply spiritual and once-in-a-lifetime journey.
