India and Saudi Arabia Sign Bilateral Haj Agreement

New Delhi: Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, accompanied by V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) today in Jeddah, KSA.

The agreement outlines a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India for Haj 2024. Among these, 1,40,020 seats are reserved for pilgrims to proceed through the Haj Committee of India, providing significant benefits to first-time pilgrims undertaking the Haj pilgrimage in 2024. Additionally, 35,005 pilgrims will be permitted to proceed through Haj Group Operators.

In discussions with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, KSA, the digital initiatives of the Government of India were highly commended for facilitating and promoting ease and convenience for Indian Haj pilgrims. The Government of Saudi Arabia expressed its willingness to extend all possible help in this regard. The initiative of the Indian government to encourage participation under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category was also deeply appreciated and lauded during the meeting.