Hyderabad: The Ministry of Minority Affairs announced Haj Policy 2027 and opened applications for prospective pilgrims through the Haj Committee of India portal and the Haj Suvidha App.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju released the policy and invited applications for Haj-2027.
Applicants can submit forms online through the Haj Committee of India portal and the Haj Suvidha App.
The ministry said the digital process will make applications simpler and more accessible.
According to the policy, the quota ratio between the Haj Committee of India and the private sector will remain 70:30.
The allocation provides 1,22,518 seats for the Haj Committee of India.
It also provides 52,507 seats for the private sector.
Haj Policy 2027 introduces pilgrim-focused measures
The announcement followed a Haj review meeting chaired by the Union Minister on June 18.
The meeting reviewed Haj-2026 arrangements and finalised the roadmap for Haj-2027.
Meanwhile, the ministry said the policy builds on several initiatives introduced during Haj-2026.
These include sofa-cum-beds in Mina and high-speed train travel between Makkah and Madinah.
The policy also continues hotel-style accommodation in Makkah and the Short Haj Package.
In addition, the government improved the State Haj Inspector ratio.
The ratio will increase from one inspector for every 150 pilgrims to one for every 135 pilgrims.
Furthermore, authorities will give preference to the top 20 per cent of applicants on the final Haj-2026 waiting list.
The government retained the Short Haj Package.
It also added Kolkata as an embarkation point because of strong demand.
The ministry said the policy aligns medical screening with Saudi guidelines.
It also introduces stricter health checks for pilgrims with chronic medical conditions.
Meanwhile, the government plans to introduce artificial intelligence-based tools for pilgrim services.
These tools will support application processing and document verification.
They will also assist demand assessment and grievance monitoring.
The ministry is developing a multilingual AI assistant for pilgrims.
The service will provide round-the-clock support through voice and text.
Pilgrims can seek information on applications, payments, flights and accommodation.
They can also access baggage guidelines and grievance support.
The ministry said these measures will make Haj safer, more transparent and more convenient for Indian pilgrims.