Srinagar: In a significant development, the Government of India has announced that Indian Muslims can perform Hajj through the Hajj Committee of India (HCI) only once in their lifetime under the new Hajj policy for 2025.
The policy draft outlines new regulations for seat allocation, eligibility, and procedural improvements to ensure a smoother and more equitable Hajj pilgrimage. According to the policy, “Those who have performed Hajj earlier through HCol will not be eligible to apply.”
However, the policy provides exemptions for repeated Hajj pilgrimages under specific circumstances. These exemptions include companions and “Mehram” (male guardians) accompanying female pilgrims and those aged 65 or above. The policy states that Hajj is an arduous pilgrimage, often involving walking up to 25 km a day in extremely harsh climatic conditions of KSA, making it mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 or above to be accompanied by a companion.
“In the case of ‘Mehram’ for lady pilgrims and companions of pilgrims aged 65 years or above, including ladies without Mehram (LWM) pilgrims aged 65 years or above, repeaters will be allowed on payment of additional charges as applicable from time to time,” the policy states.
