Srinagar: The Central Government has officially launched Haj Policy 2027, unveiling a series of major reforms aimed at making the annual pilgrimage safer, smoother and more pilgrim-friendly. Alongside the announcement, the Government has opened the Haj 2027 application process for eligible pilgrims across India.Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju released the new policy and urged aspiring pilgrims to submit their applications through the official Haj Portal and the Haj Suvidha Mobile App.According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the new policy builds on the successful reforms introduced during Haj 2026, including improved accommodation in Makkah, enhanced facilities in Mina and the introduction of the popular Short Haj Package.Haj Quota 2027: Over 1.22 Lakh Seats Through Haj Committee of IndiaUnder the proposed allocation formula, the Haj quota distribution between the Haj Committee of India and Private Tour Operators (PTOs) will continue in a 70:30 ratio. More than 1.22 lakh Haj seats are expected to be allocated through the Haj Committee of India, while over 52,000 seats will be reserved for private operators.The Government has also initiated efforts to secure an increase in India’s overall Haj quota from Saudi Arabia to accommodate the growing number of applicants.AI-Powered Haj Services to Improve Pilgrim ExperienceOne of the biggest highlights of Haj Policy 2027 is the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based services. The Government plans to use AI for application verification, document scrutiny, flight allocation, and real-time grievance redressal.Officials said a multilingual AI support platform is being developed to assist pilgrims in Hindi, Urdu and several regional languages. The system will provide guidance on registration, payments, accommodation, baggage rules, travel schedules and emergency assistance.Kolkata Added as New Embarkation PointThe Government has decided to continue the Short Haj Package in 2027 and has added Kolkata as a new embarkation point to meet increasing demand from eastern India.Stricter Health Screening for Haj PilgrimsIn line with Saudi Arabia’s medical regulations, the new policy introduces stricter health screening measures. Individuals suffering from serious chronic illnesses may not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage if medical assessments indicate potential health risks.Integration with Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk PlatformTo improve coordination and service delivery, Indian Haj services will be integrated with Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk platform, ensuring seamless information-sharing and better management throughout the pilgrimage journey.Minister Kiren Rijiju directed the Haj Committee of India and all concerned agencies to ensure a transparent, efficient and hassle-free registration process. The Government reiterated its commitment to providing every Indian pilgrim with a safe, comfortable and dignified Haj experience through improved facilities, technology-driven services and stronger support mechanisms.
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