New Delhi: The Centre on Sunday announced the Haj Policy 2027, with applications for Haj-2027 opening immediately through the online portal and mobile app of the Haj Committee of India.
Union minister for minority affairs Kiren Rijiju said the early announcement was aimed at ensuring timely preparations in line with schedules prescribed by Saudi authorities. Applicants can register through the official website or the Haj Suvidha App, making the process simpler and more accessible.
The overall quota is expected to remain unchanged at a 70:30 ratio between the Haj Committee of India and private tour operators. Of the total seats, 1,22,518 will be allocated to the Haj Committee, while 52,507 will go to the private sector. However, the government said efforts are underway to seek an increase in India’s Haj quota, which stood at 1.75 lakh last year.
The policy follows a review meeting held on June 18, where arrangements for Haj-2026 were assessed and the roadmap for Haj-2027 finalised. Officials said the move underlines the government’s focus on advance planning and pilgrim convenience.
Building on initiatives introduced last year, Haj Policy 2027 continues several pilgrim-centric measures, including improved accommodation in Makkah, high-speed train travel between Makkah and Madinah, sofa-cum-beds in Mina and the 20-day Short Haj Package. The Indian Haj Mission recently received two Labbaytum Awards from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for coordination and communication during Haj-2026.
Among key changes, the ratio of State Haj Inspectors has been improved to one inspector for every 135 pilgrims, from the earlier 1:150. Preference will also be given to the top 20% of waitlisted applicants from Haj-2026. The Short Haj Package has been retained, with Kolkata added as an embarkation point.
The policy also introduces stricter medical screening aligned with Saudi guidelines and outlines plans to use artificial intelligence for document verification, flight planning and grievance redressal. A multilingual AI-based assistance system for pilgrims is also in the pipeline.
The minister urged eligible pilgrims to apply within timelines, reiterating the government’s commitment to a safe, transparent and dignified Haj experience.
