The Ministry of Minority Affairs announced on Tuesday that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj has agreed to reopen the Haj (Nusuk) Portal for Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs) to facilitate An additional 10,000 Indian pilgrims, subject to Mina’s current capacity

This decision follows the Indian government's intervention after 26 CHGOs missed critical Saudi deadlines, failing to finalize contracts for Mina camps, accommodation, and transportation, despite repeated reminders.

The move comes amid concerns highlighted in a Times of India report, which noted the uncertainty surrounding 52,000 Indian pilgrims after Saudi authorities cancelled certain Mina zones previously allocated to private tour operators.

To assess ongoing Hajj preparations, Ministry Secretary Chandra Shekhar Kumar and Joint Secretary CPS Bakshi visited Jeddah last week. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has allotted a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims to India for 2025.

In a recent visit to Jeddah, Ministry Secretary Chandra Shekhar Kumar and Joint Secretary CPS Bakshi evaluated the status of Hajj preparations.Earlier, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also visited Saudi Arabia from January 11 to 14 to review the arrangements.