Srinagar, April 15: Saudi Arabia’s decision to slash the Hajj quota has dealt a severe blow to private Hajj service providers in the Kashmir Valley.
Centre on Tuesday said the Combined Hajj Group Operators (CHGOs) had failed to comply with the necessary timelines set by the Saudi authorities despite reminders. Following intervention by the Centre, the Saudi Hajj Ministry has agreed to re-open the Haj Portal for the CHGOs to complete their work in respect of 10,000 pilgrims based on the current space availability in Mina.
This slash in India’s private Hajj quota is leaving over 52,000 pilgrims countrywide in lurch.
Umar Nazir Tibetbaqal, General Secretary of the All Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Umrah Tour Operators Association, said the sudden cutback has come as a shock for them.
“We had around 500 pilgrims registered through private Hajj service providers this year. But now, as per the new Saudi directive, only 110 will be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage through us,” he said.
The unexpected quota reduction has not only derailed months of planning but has also placed both service providers and Hajj aspirants in a precarious position.
Tibetbaqal noted that most pilgrims had already paid the full amount for the pilgrimage, and service providers had, in turn, transferred payments to agents based in Saudi Arabia.
“This has left the Hajj aspirants in despair and peril. The refund process is a major challenge. How are we supposed to retrieve the payments already made to Saudi-based agents?” he questioned.
The Hajj tour operators general secretary said that beyond the financial implications, the emotional toll on the pilgrims is significant. “Hajj is a deeply spiritual and emotional journey. The abrupt change has hurt the sentiments of many aspiring pilgrims,” he said.
Tibetbaqal also warned that the decision could have long-term repercussions for their businesses.
“This move will make people apprehensive about utilising performing pilgrimage via private service providers in the future. It shakes the foundation of our operations,” he said, urging the Saudi government to reconsider or at least provide clarity and support mechanisms for those affected.
Sheikh Feroz, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Hajj Umrah Companies, also voiced serious concern over the reduction in the Hajj quota. “This is a challenging time for Hajj and Umrah operators. The main issue is how to accommodate pilgrims with a reduced quota. We appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and help restore the original Hajj quota,” he said.
The aspiring pilgrims have voiced concern about the decision saying they had planned it for years to go for pilgrimage. “It has come as a shock. We don’t know whose names come out in the list now. We are deeply stressed and confused,” said Adil Ahmad, an aspirant.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti have also asked the central government to intervene in the matter.