Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Issues Important Advisory for Haj 2026 Private Pilgrims
Dated 14th December 2025
News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid
Editor in Chief
New Delhi :- Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, has issued an important advisory for Indian pilgrims planning to perform Haj in 2026 through Private Haj Group Organisers (HGOs) and Private Tour Operators (PTOs).
In a message posted on social media platform X (@KirenRijiju), the Minister urged pilgrims to apply early and choose only authorised Haj Group Organisers. He said that completing bookings well in advance will help avoid last-minute difficulties and ensure smooth and well-organised arrangements for the sacred journey.
As per a circular issued by the Ministry, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has fixed 1 February 2026 as the last date for finalising housing and service contracts for Haj 2026. These contracts are mandatory and include accommodation, transport and other essential services for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
The circular stated that Haj Group Organisers and Private Tour Operators must complete several preparatory procedures within the timelines fixed by the Saudi authorities. Therefore, pilgrims planning to travel through private operators are strongly advised to secure their bookings early to ensure all required formalities are completed on time.
The Ministry has clearly advised pilgrims to complete their booking formalities on or before 15 January 2026. Timely booking will help in finalising housing and service contracts within the prescribed deadline and will prevent last-minute inconvenience.
Pilgrims have also been advised to verify the registration status, quota and approval of the concerned HGO or PTO before making any payment, and to book only through authorised Haj operators.
The Ministry reiterated that early planning and booking will ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free Haj pilgrimage in 2026.
FILE VIDEO | Kiren Rijiju in his post on X on 11th November 2025, he said that – “I thank Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shri Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), Shri Fahad Suri, Consul General of India, Jeddah and officials of @MOMAIndia & @MEAIndia for excellent coordination during my visit to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bilateral Haj Agreement was signed and successfully reviewed preparations for Haj 2026.” Source : @KirenRijiju on X.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has once again appealed to all intending Haj 2026 pilgrims to plan their journey responsibly by booking early and choosing only authorised Haj Group Organisers. Pilgrims have been urged to strictly follow the advisory and complete all formalities within the stipulated time to ensure a smooth, safe and hassle-free Haj pilgrimage without any last-minute complications.
News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid
