New Measures, AI-Based Services Planned to Enhance Comfort, Safety of Indian Haj Pilgrims
New Delhi, June 23 : The Central Government has unveiled the Haj Policy-2027, introducing several new initiatives aimed at making the annual pilgrimage safer, more convenient and pilgrim-friendly. Simultaneously, the process for submission of Haj applications for the 2027 pilgrimage has been opened across the country.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, formally released the policy and announced that intending pilgrims can now submit their applications through the official Haj portal and the Haj Suvidha mobile application.
According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the new policy builds upon reforms introduced during Haj-2026, including improved accommodation facilities in Makkah, enhanced arrangements in Mina and the introduction of a Short Haj Package. The Government stated that these initiatives are part of its broader effort to ensure a more dignified and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
Under the proposed allocation formula, the Haj quota distribution between the Haj Committee of India and private tour operators will continue in the ratio of 70:30. Out of the total quota, over 1.22 lakh seats are expected to be allotted through the Haj Committee of India, while more than 52,000 seats will be reserved for the private sector. The Government has also indicated that efforts are underway to secure an increase in India’s overall Haj quota from Saudi authorities.
The policy follows a comprehensive review meeting held earlier this month, during which arrangements for Haj-2026 were assessed and the roadmap for Haj-2027 was finalized. Officials said the early announcement of the policy is intended to facilitate timely preparations in accordance with schedules laid down by Saudi authorities.
Among the major reforms, the Government has decided to strengthen field-level support by improving the ratio of Haj inspectors to pilgrims. The revised arrangement will ensure greater assistance and monitoring for pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
To accommodate more applicants, preference will be extended to a segment of candidates who remained on the waiting list during Haj-2026. The Government believes this step will help address the growing demand for Haj seats in a transparent and equitable manner.
The Short Haj Package, which witnessed encouraging participation last year, will continue in 2027 with the addition of Kolkata as a new embarkation point, responding to increasing demand from eastern India.
The policy also introduces stricter health screening measures in line with Saudi medical regulations. Authorities said individuals suffering from serious chronic illnesses may not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage if medical assessments indicate health risks.
A significant feature of Haj Policy-2027 is the planned introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven services. The Government is working on AI-based systems for application verification, document scrutiny, flight allocation management and real-time grievance redressal.
Officials said a multilingual AI assistance platform is also being developed to provide round-the-clock support to pilgrims in Hindi, Urdu and various regional languages. The digital assistant is expected to guide applicants on registration, payments, travel arrangements, accommodation, baggage regulations and emergency support services.
The Ministry further disclosed plans to integrate Indian Haj services with Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk platform to ensure seamless information-sharing and better coordination throughout the pilgrimage journey.
Calling upon eligible citizens to complete their registrations within the prescribed timeframe, Minister Rijiju directed the Haj Committee of India and other agencies to ensure a transparent, efficient and hassle-free application process.
The Union Government reiterated its commitment to providing every Indian pilgrim with a safe, smooth and dignified Haj experience through improved facilities, technology integration and strengthened support mechanisms. (KNC)
