Haj Guidelines 2025 PDF

Swachh Bharat Government of India Ministry of Minority Affairs (Statutory body constituted under the Act of Parliament No. 35 of 2002) HAJ GUIDELINES 2025  Haj Application Form (HAF) can be lled and submit...

Swachh Bharat Government of India Ministry of Minority Affairs (Statutory body constituted under the Act of Parliament No. 35 of 2002) HAJ GUIDELINES 2025  Haj Application Form (HAF) can be lled and submitted online at hajcommittee.gov.in. or through Android or iphone Mobile App “HAJ SUVIDHA ” from 13th August, 2024 to 09th September, 2024. MoMA SAR 8 SHI State Haj Inspector 9 LWM Ladies Without Mehram IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION: Haj is an arduous and strenuous pilgrimage involving walking up to 25 km in a day in extremely harsh climatic conditions of KSA and hence it is mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 or above (including such LWM pilgrims) to be accompanied by a companion. to 20Kg 7 Kg STANDARD SIZE BAGGAGE : 1. Pilgrims must record their Cover Number, Name, Address, Flight Number & Embarkation Point on their bags by bold marker pen for easy identication. In absence of this information on their bags, it would be difcult to trace the missing baggage. 2. Pilgrim should afx the Baggage stickers provided by the HCoI at the Haj Camp alongwith other travel documents so as to enable their baggage reach the intending pilgrims at their buildings of accommodation.  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) Government of India Ministry of Minority Affairs HAJ COMMITTEE OF INDIA (Statutory Body Constituted under the Act of Parliament No.35 of 2002) Guidelines for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446) INTRODUCTION: 1. All Indian Citizens who are physically and nancially capable of performing Haj may apply for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446); subject to the criteria laid down in the guidelines hereunder and the guidelines/instructions issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (hereinafter referred to as KSA) from time to time for Haj 2025. 2. KSA may review its Guidelines/instructions on Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446) including cancellation of the Haj pilgrimage entirely or partially for the International pilgrims depending upon the conditions prevailing at the time of Haj. In such circumstances, the Haj Committee of India (hereinafter referred to as HCol) shall not be liable for any change in eligibility criteria for pilgrims or cancellation of the Haj process either completely /partially, or for any nancial obligations or any other circumstances that may arise due to the decisions taken by the KSA. 3. As far as expenditure of Haj – 2025 is concerned, the actual amount for pilgrims will be nalised only after hiring of services for the pilgrims in India and Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who are capable of undertaking Haj shall only apply after validating their eligibility conditions and should have the means and wherewithal for undertaking Haj in line with the eligibility norms for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446). PREFACE: 4. HCoI, a Statutory Body under Ministry of Minority Affairs (hereinafter referred to as MoMA), Government of India, constituted under the Act of Parliament (No.35 of 2002), hereby issues the guidelines for persons willing to apply for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446). It is advised that persons willing to perform Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446) may read the guidelines carefully before submitting the online Haj Application Form (hereinafter referred to as HAF). 1. GENERAL INFORMATION: i. HCoI in its mandate under the Haj Committee Act, 2002, makes arrangements for the Haj pilgrims within India in consultation and coordination with other stakeholders. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah (hereinafter referred to as CGI) is the ofce responsible for making arrangements for pilgrims and redressing their grievances after their arrival in Jeddah/Madinah Munawwarah airport and during their stay in KSA. The 1  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) Ministry of Civil Aviation (hereinafter referred to as MoCA) is the nodal agency responsible for the Air Charter Arrangements for Haj pilgrims and their belongings during transit. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (hereinafter referred to as MoHFW) arranges vaccines and other medical assistance for pilgrims during the Haj period. ii. HCoI has administrative relations with the State/Union Territory Haj Committees (hereinafter referred to as SHCs), in respect of Haj operations and NOT with any private individual/agency/association. iii. The details of amounts to be paid by the pilgrims through the Bank to HCoI will be notied by HCol on its website. The pilgrims will also be informed through their respective SHCs and via SMSs. Pilgrims are advised to take utmost care so as not to fall prey to any individual/ agency/association claiming to work for or on behalf of HCol. The pilgrims should not pay any amount to any private individual, agency, or association for arrangements related to Haj 2025. If anyone is found falsely claiming that he/she/they work for HCoI, or demand money for extending some favour, the pilgrim may le a report against such person(s) before the Chief Executive Ofcer, Haj Committee of India, 7 -A, MRA Marg, Mumbai-400001 through post or by sending a message on email id [email protected] or by FAX on 022 – 22630461. iv. Shia pilgrims who opt for JOHFA as Meeqat should indicate the same while applying for Haj 2025. Such pilgrims will be required to pay an additional amount for this facility and the amount to be paid will be intimated in due course. 2. “ONCE IN A LIFE TIME HAJ THROUGH HAJ COMMITTEE OF INDIA": As per the Haj Policy of the Government of India, an individual can perform Haj through HCoI only “once in a lifetime”. Those who have performed Haj earlier through HCoI, will not be eligible to apply for Haj 2025. Haj is an arduous and strenuous pilgrimage involving walking up to 25 km in a day in extremely harsh climatic conditions of KSA. It is mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 or above (including such LWM pilgrims) to be accompanied by a companion. In the case of "Mehram" for lady pilgrims and companions of the 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 age of the “Mehram”, companions accompanying pilgrims aged 65 years or above and companions accompanying pilgrims with benchmark disabilities must be 18 to 60 years as on the prescribed Closing Date of receipt of the 2  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) Haj Application. However, companions accompanying LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above must be female and between the age of 45 to 60 years. A lady pilgrim, pilgrims aged 65 or above, and pilgrims with benchmark disabilities utilising the services of a repeater as "Mehram" or companion as the case may be, must give a solemn undertaking to the effect that no rst time "Mehram" or companion, as applicable, is available in the family. 3. AVAILABILITY OF GUIDELINES AND HAJ APPLICATION: The pilgrims may download guidelines for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446) from the website of HCoI at www.hajcommittee.gov.in. Haj Application Form (HAF) may be lled and submitted online at www.hajcommittee.gov.in or through the Android /iPhone Mobile App "HAJ SUVIDHA APP". After lling HAF, a copy may be downloaded for submission in respective SHCs along with relevant documents and Remittance Receipt at the later stage on selection. 4. ELIGIBILITY FOR HAJ: Haj is obligatory for Muslims having physical capacity and nancial competency to perform Haj. The Saudi Guidelines on eligibility to perform Haj or Umrah, specify that the pilgrim should be physically, behaviorally, and mentally t. Any Muslim citizen of India can apply for Haj pilgrimage except; i. Any person who is not in possession of machine readable valid Indian International Passport issued before the prescribed Closing Date of receipt of Haj Application and valid at least up to 15.01.2026. ii. Haj Repeaters: Any person who has performed Haj earlier in his/her life through HCol except a person who has applied under the categories of Mehram for a lady pilgrim or as a companion for pilgrims aged 65 years or above or a companion for LWM Pilgrims aged 65 or above or a companion for Pilgrims with benchmark disabilities, on the basis of appropriate solemn Declaration and Undertaking. iii. Any person found to have furnished false information shall not be allowed to proceed for Haj. In such cases, he/she will be disqualied at any stage and de-boarded, at the Embarkation Point. The entire amount deposited by him/her shall also be forfeited. Besides, he/she may be prosecuted for making an incorrect/false Declaration. These conditions will also apply for concealing the fact of having performed Haj earlier as well as for Haj-e- Badal pilgrims. iv. Those with severe medical conditions such as Terminal Cancer, Advanced Cardiac, Respiratory, Liver, Kidney diseases, Infectious Tuberculosis, or Senility. 3  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) v. Ladies not accompanied by a Sharia Mehram, except ladies travelling without their Mehram as stipulated in Sr.No.6 of Haj Policy for Haj 2025 which states “Ladies travelling without their Mehrams: Ladies aged 45 or above, who wish to go for Haj but do not have a male Mehram and their school of thought (Maslak) permits, are allowed to travel in groups of 4 or more ladies. Subject to the terms of KSA, single ladies may also apply, and HCoI may form a grouping with the ladies who applied under the category. Consulate General of India, Jeddah will also facilitate separate living arrangements for women traveling alone for the Pilgrimage. In order to bring parity between other pilgrims aged 65 and above with LWM pilgrims in the same age bracket, and also in view of the arduous nature of the Haj pilgrimage, it has been decided that a female companion aged 45 to 60 years is a must for LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above and no LWM pilgrim aged 65 or above will be registered individually. Further, the conditions mentioned in Clause 12 (a), (b) & (c), as applicable to pilgrims aged 65 or above, shall also apply to LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above”. vi. Ladies in advanced stage of pregnancy, in which case the international ying standards will be followed. vii. Any person against whom a Court Order prohibiting travel abroad exists. viii. Applicants below the age of 18 years except those for whom consent of parents /legal guardian has been obtained. 5. HAJ MANAGEMENT PROCESS: a. HAJ ANNOUNCEMENT: Haj Process starts with the Haj announcement made by MoMA, Government of India. Subsequent to the announcement of Haj, the HCoI noties information for all the intending pilgrims, about the dates of commencement of submitting the application forms and the last date of lling HAF, the validity of the Passport, etc. Persons intending to apply for Haj are advised to adhere to the timelines announced for Haj 2025. The HCoI makes all necessary preparations for inviting application through online portal. Individuals who are willing to apply for Haj 2025 are advised to go through the guidelines carefully to conrm their eligibility and to keep a copy of the following documents ready for submission while applying for Haj 2025: i. PASSPORT: All intending pilgrims should possess machine readable valid Indian Passport issued before the closing date of application. The Ministry of External Affairs (hereinafter referred to as MEA) has issued instructions to all Regional Passport Ofces to facilitate issuing of passport to intending Haj pilgrims. ii. BANK ACCOUNT: Bank account of persons named as the Cover Head is mandatory for making the Haj Application. It is advised that 4  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) the pilgrims open/update their Bank Account to facilitate the refunds, if any, in their Bank Accounts digitally through RTGS/NEFT. iii. MOBILE NUMBER: The pilgrims are required to mention their own correct working mobile number in the Haj application form to enable the HCoI/SHCs to send necessary information and instructions on Haj to them through SMS/Voice messages. The pilgrims are advised to receive important updates on “YouTube” and “WhatsApp” download the “HAJ SUVIDHA APP” on their mobile phones. The pilgrims are advised to use the same smartphone and mobile number which they are using in India in KSA during the pilgrimage after getting the international roaming pack activated from India itself. This will help the pilgrims to avail of all the facilities and benets rendered by the Government of India through the "HAJ SUVIDHA APP'. Information shall be disseminated to the pilgrims from time to time on their mobile phones through SMS/Voice messages/HAJ SUVIDHA APP, both in India and in KSA, to assist the pilgrims in their Haj pilgrimage. These messages, however, do not confer any right to intending pilgrims to make any claim for allocation of seat in cases wherein he/she failed to adhere timeline specied by HCoI for submission of documents, payments etc., due to non-receipt of SMS/voice message on his/ her registered mobile. iv. AADHAAR CARD: Aadhaar Card is not mandatory for Haj Application. However, for convenience, the pilgrims are advised to ll the details of their Aadhaar Card in the specied column in HAF. 6. SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS: All provisionally selected applicants shall submit downloaded copy of online HAF duly completed in all respects, along with a self-attested copy of the rst & last page of Machine Readable Valid Indian International Passport, Solemn Declaration and Undertaking, Medical Screening & Fitness Certicate, Pay-in-Slip indicating deposit of Advance Haj Amount within one week after Qurrah to their respective SHCs. The selected applicants shall be asked to submit their Original Passports to their respective SHCs within a specic date, the details of which shall be notied subsequently, through a Circular. Failure to submit the passport by the specied date will lead to cancellation of Haj Seat. The submitted Passports may be retained by Haj Committee of India or State Haj Committees, as per operational requirements. 7. HOW TO APPLY: Haj Applications are led digitally online. At the time of Haj application, no fees shall be charged as Processing Fee. Necessary 5  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) instructions/guidance/directions on various aspects of Haj process are available in the form of small video clips through YouTube link posted on the website of HCoI. Intending Pilgrims are advised to watch the relevant video clip(s) before submitting the Haj Application. Further, FAQs and their replies are also available on the aforementioned website. Hard copies of handwritten/typed applications shall not be accepted. Intending pilgrims have to make Haj Application online only at the website of HCoI i.e., www.hajcommittee.gov.in or on through the “HAJ SUVIDHA APP”. While submitting the Haj Application Forms online, the pilgrims are required to upload the following documents as enclosure(s): i. First & last page of Machine Readable Valid Indian International Passport. ii. Latest Passport size photograph. iii. Copy of CANCELLED Cheque or a copy of Bank Account Pass Book of the person mentioned as Cover Head. iv. Address Proof: If the residential address of the applicant is same as mentioned in his/her passport, he/she may submit a copy of the passport as address proof. In other cases, the applicant may submit self-attested copy of any of the following as address proof: - 1. Aadhaar Card 2. Bank Pass Book 3. Election Commission Photo I-D Card 4. Utility bill for last 3 months of: (a) Electricity Bill (b) Telephone Bill (Land-line) (c) Water Bill (d) Gas Connection Bill. (a) Composition of Cover – only family members and near relatives: A maximum number of 5 (ve) Adults + 2 (Two) Infants comprising the family members or near relatives can apply in a single cover. The Head of the Cover shall be responsible for payment for the persons included in the cover. Under no circumstances, persons other than family and near relatives shall be included in the cover. It is in the interest of pilgrims to ensure that only family members having blood relation or near relatives are included in the cover. Preponement/ postponement of the date of ight by some/a few pilgrims under one cover is not permitted. All the pilgrims under one Cover will normally travel together in the same ights. If the Head of Cover himself cancels his application for Haj pilgrimage, he should indicate the name of another person from amongst the male members of such cover, as the Head of that particular Cover. If a male applicant, who is Mehram of the female applicant of Cover, cancels his application for Haj pilgrimage, he must indicate the name of other applicant from among the male members of the cover as 6  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) “Mehram” along with his relation with the female applicant(s) of that Cover otherwise the application(s) of the female applicant(s) shall also be treated as cancelled. Change of Mehram is allowed only in specic cases on account of Death/Medical Grounds. (b) Cover Size: The size of Cover shall be minimum 1 (one) and maximum 5 (ve) adults + 2 (two) infants in General category. In Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) category also, a maximum of 5 (ve) ladies can apply in a single group. Each 65 or above aged applicant in LWM category must necessarily be accompanied by a female companion of age 45-60 in the same group. The details of the companion must be mentioned in the HAF. However, for pilgrims aged 65 or above category, 4 (four) applications [2(two) 65 or above and 2(two) Companions] can apply in a single group. The companions of the 65 or above age category shall be aged 18-60. There shall be no provision for clubbing of multiple covers. Any such requests to HCoI shall not be entertained. Notes: i. Infants are those who would not complete 2 years of age by the date of arrival of last inward Haj Charter Flight (10.07.2025), Infants travel is not free of cost and they will be charged 10% of the full fare (as decided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation) which will be communicated in due course of time. ii. An applicant of 2 (two) years of age or above will be charged as an adult pilgrim and full amount of Airfare and Haj Amount has to be paid by them accordingly. (c) Cover Number: A cover number is a unique computer-generated number obtained after verication of applications and relevant documents uploaded with the application by the respective SHC. The cover number will be sent via SMS to the cover head's registered mobile number and will also be available to the applicants on the HCoI's website (www.hajcommittee.gov.in) in their login. Pilgrims must use the cover number as a reference for all future correspondence. Pilgrims should make sure to note the cover number. If the cover number is not received via SMS or on the HCoI website in their login, pilgrims must contact their concerned SHC to obtain it. No Haj Application Form will be considered for the Randomised Digital Selection process (Qurrah) without a cover number. (d) Nominee: The pilgrims are advised to mention the details of their nominee distinctly at appropriate place in HAF. It is informed that the nominee of the pilgrim will be contacted in case of exigencies in India/KSA. While mentioning about the nominee, the pilgrims may prefer his/her close 7  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) relative as nominee as only such nominee will be eligible/considered for refunds in case of death of pilgrims. (e) The details of expenditure incurred in Saudi Arabia (in Saudi Riyals) on account of a pilgrim (other than Airfare) for Haj 2024 was as under: Sr. Item of Expenditure Estimated cost No. per pilgrim (in SAR) 1 Makkah Accommodation 2,250.00 2 Madinah Accommodation 1,200.00 3 Bus Transportation–Azizia to Haram Sharief 250.00 4 1% reserved accommodation as per Saudi Ministry 22.50 of Haj & Umrah Affairs requirement 5 a. Tawafa company (Package C) 2,626.00 b. Compulsory Ground Services Fee 661.25 c. Camp Fee 1,200.00 6 a. Visa Fees 300.00 b. Electric Services Fee 59.80 c. Insurance 21.85 d. Ground Fees 243.00 7 Bus Transportation 995.00 (Jeddah-Makkah-Mashaer-Makkah-Madinah-Madinah Airport 8 Metro Train Ticket (Mashaer Region) 350.00 9 Maktab-ul-Wukla ( Transportation of baggage from 15.00 Airport to accommodation in Makkah and in Madinah) 10 Transportation of baggage in Makkah & Madinah and 25.00 between Makkah and Madinah 11 Procurement and handling of Zam-Zam (5 litre can) 20.00 12 Overhead Expenditure 30.00 Total Sr.No.1 to 12 10,269.40 8  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) 1. Adahi Coupons SAR.660.00 2. Johfa Meeqat for Shia Pilgrims land in Jeddah SAR.165.10 Note: The expenditure mentioned above may vary as per charges prescribed by the concerned Agencies for Haj 2025. The total estimated expenditure for Haj 2025 will include (1) Expenditure on various items mentioned above (in SAR), *already mentioned in the above table (2) Rs.300/- towards Non-Refundable Processing Fee, (3) Airfare on actual, (4) Airport & Service Taxes, (5) Insurance charges as declared by Saudi Government (if any), (6) Rs.2,000/- as Miscellaneous Dues as per break- up mentioned below:- Miscellaneous Dues: i) Establishment / Documents Charges = Rs. 650/- ii) Orientation / Training Programme Charges (SHC) = Rs. 300/- iii) Handling Charges (SHC) Rs.2,000/- =Rs. 350/- iv. Supporting Arrangements = Rs. 450/- v. Donation for Haj Houses = Rs. 250/- (f) The applicants are required to: i. Mention their correct address in the HAF. Submission of incorrect information/declaration may lead to rejection of application and forfeiture of the amount deposited. ii. The pilgrims are required to mention their own mobile number in the HAF to enable the HCoI/SHCs to send necessary information and instructions on Haj to them through SMS/Voice messages & HAJ SUVIDHA APP. The pilgrims are advised to use the same smartphone and mobile number which they are using in India in KSA during the pilgrimage after getting the international roaming pack activated from India itself. This will help the pilgrims to avail of all the facilities and benets rendered by the Government of India through the "HAJ SUVIDHA APP' iii. Bank account of persons named as Cover Head is mandatory for submitting Haj Application. It is advised that the pilgrims open/update their Bank Account to facilitate the refunds, if any, in their Bank Accounts digitally through RTGS/NEFT. 9  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) iv. Solemn Declaration to be furnished by each pilgrim in terms of the status of applicant, i.e., Fresh/Repeater Companion of lady pilgrim/age 65 or above pilgrim/Ladies without Mehram (LWM)/pilgrim with benchmark disability as is annexed at the end of the Haj Guidelines. v. After provisional selection, the applicant has to submit self-attested copy of downloaded hard copy of HAF, solemn declaration, Medical Screening & Fitness Certicate along with original receipt/proof of payment of Non-Refundable Processing Fee & Advance Haj Amount and self-attested Copy of Passport with latest Photograph. vi. The selected Pilgrims shall be intimated to submit their Original Passports to SHCs at a later date by a separate Circular. vii. If the residential address of applicant is same as mentioned in his/her passport, he/she may submit a copy of his/her passport as address proof. In other cases, the applicant may submit self- attested copy of any, as specied at para 7 (iv) above. viii. Envelope containing duly lled online HAF of selected pilgrim(s) should be super scribed as "Application for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446)" and submitted/sent, so as to reach the Executive Ofcer of the SHC concerned within one week of Qurrah. ix. If the HAF is submitted without the enclosures required as per the Guidelines, it shall be treated as incomplete and shall be summarily rejected. 8. SOLEMN DECLARATION AND UNDERTAKING FOR APPLICANTS AGED 65 YEARS OR ABOVE: The applications received in 65 or above age category are given top priority allocation of seats for that State/UT. However, in case more Haj applications are received in 65 or above age category than the allotted quota for state/ UT, a draw of lots will be conducted among the 65 or above age category applicants as explained in Clause 12 of the policy. This is to enable and facilitate assured seats to elderly and aged senior citizens desirous of performing Haj pilgrimage. Applicants in 65 or above age category shall submit a solemn declaration and undertaking in the format prescribed by HCoI. If the solemn declaration and undertaking is not enclosed or found incomplete or not in the format given, the Haj application shall be summarily rejected. 9. SOLEMN DECLARATION AND UNDERTAKING FOR GENERAL CATEGORY: In view of the “Once in a lifetime Haj through Haj Committee of India” policy, all general category pilgrims shall submit a solemn Declaration and Undertaking in the given format. Solemn Declaration and Undertaking should be in English only. If the solemn Declaration and Undertaking is not enclosed 10  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) or found incomplete or not in the prescribed format, Haj application shall be summarily rejected. 10. ORDER OF PRIORITY: While allotting seats in each State, the priority will be : i) 65 or above age category including Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) of 65 years or above (applicant along with companion); ii) Ladies travelling without their Mehram between 45 and 65 years of age; iii) General Category. 11. APPLICANTS AGED 65 or above : Considering the arduous nature of the Haj pilgrimage, a companion is a must for pilgrims aged 65 or above and no pilgrim aged 65 or above will be registered as a lone member. The pilgrims of 65 years and above will be registered under Reserved Category, subject to the following conditions: a. Applicant who completes 65 years or more as on the prescribed Closing Date of receipt of Haj Application. b. One companion is a must for pilgrims aged 65 or above and no pilgrim aged 65 or above will be registered alone. In case of LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above, a female companion of the age 45-60 as on the prescribed Closing Date of receipt of Haj Application is a must. c. For non-LWM pilgrims of the age of 65 or above, one companion is allowed who should be immediate relative namely Husband / Wife / Brother / Sister / Son/ Daughter / Son-in-law / Daughter-in- law, Grandson / Grand Daughter and Nephew / Niece. No other relation will be allowed to travel as companion. Neither the pilgrim aged 65 or above nor the companion will be allowed to travel alone. The age of the companion must be 18-60 years on the the prescribed Closing Date of receipt of Haj Application. d. If husband and wife are travelling in a cover under reserved category, and both are aged 65 or above, they will be allowed two companions, who will be blood relation of the pilgrims. The age of the companion shall be 18-60 years as on the prescribed Closing Date of receipt of Haj Application 12. SUBMISSION OF HAF AND CLOSING DATE: a. Online & Mobile App Submission: i. Detailed instructions are given on HCoI's website www.hajcommittee.gov.in. & “HAJ SUVIDHA APP” ii. Guidelines for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446) will be applicable for all applicants. 11  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) iii. SHCs will scrutinise and verify the details of HAF lled online before generating Cover number. iv. All selected pilgrims must submit downloaded copy of HAF with documents to SHC along with the required documents within one week of Qurrah. b) Closing Date: The closing date for submission of HAF shall be 09.09.2024. 13. SCRUTINY OF HAJ APPLICATION FORMS BY SHC: The SHC shall ensure that the online HAF uploaded on the website of Haj Committee of India at www.hajcommittee.gov.in by the Applicant is complete in all respects and is accompanied by requisite enclosures/documents as enumerated in para 7. The HAF must be veried in terms of data lled by the applicant and signed by the Executive Ofcer (EO) or any ofcial of SHC authorised by EO, who shall also verify the proof of residence and certify that the applicant is eligible to register under the concerned State/Union Territory quota by putting his signature on hard copy. Any discrepancy found should be notied to the concerned applicant immediately asking him/her to rectify the discrepancies within the stipulated timeline, after which he/she shall not be allowed to make changes in the details lled and the documents uploaded by him/her. Thereafter, ack nowledgment indicating the computer-generated Cover Number shall be forwarded to the Cover head. The endorsement will be treated as certication by the Executive Ofcer of SHC. Incomplete HAF shall be summarily rejected. Except for age 65 or above pilgrims and Ladies Without Mehram category applicants, all the applications for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446) shall be registered under General Category. The provisionally selected Pilgrims shall submit the hard copies of documents (refer para 6) to the respective SHC within one week of conduct of Qurrah. Failure to submit the requisite documents within the specied date may lead to cancellation of provisional selection of pilgrims. 14. DISTRIBUTION OF QUOTA: It has been decided by the Government that 70% of the Haj quota received under the bilateral agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will be allocated for the pilgrims of HCoI. The quota received for HCoI will be further distributed amongst the States/UTs and others as per the following procedure: 12  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) Stage – I Out of the total quota allocated to India in the agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of India, 70% must be allocated to the HCoI and the remaining 30% should be allocated to HGOs. Stage – II Out of the total seats allocated to HCoI under Stage-I, quota for State Haj Inspectors (SHIs) in the ratio of one SHI for one hundred and fty pilgrims shall be subtracted from the overall Haj quota. The remaining seats shall be distributed across all the States and Union Territories in proportion to their Muslim population. Stage – III The distribution of the different States and Union Territories quota shall proceed as in the current policy through qurrah (draw of lots). In case there are surplus seats generated by under-utilised quotas of States, the seats shall be distributed as provided in Stages IV and V. Stage – IV The surplus seats shall rst be utilised for providing up to 500 seats for Mehram. If seats are still available after this, the UT of Jammu and Kashmir will be allocated up to 2,000 seats as a special measure. The remaining surplus seats will be used for groups of ladies without Mehram and distributed among the States and Union Territories that received 500 or fewer Haj Application Forms (HAF) but were unable to accommodate all applicants, in ascending order of the number of applicants. For the States/ Union Territories where there is a marginal increase in the number of applications by up to 5% compared to previous year, a quota restricted to 500 seats shall be provided. Stage – V The remainder of the surplus seats after Stage IV (if any) shall be allocated to the States and Union Territories in proportion to the number of applications received. 13  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) Note: 1) Any change in the above policy regarding distribution of Haj Seats at the specic stage can be decided later by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. 2) Pilgrims must note that in case additional Haj quota is allotted to the HCoI by the KSA with the condition that the pilgrims will be accommodated outside the traditional boundaries of Mina, all such additional pilgrims shall be accommodated outside the traditional boundary of Mina. 15. QURRAH/Randomised Digital Selection: Qurrah refers to computerized draw of lots (Randomised Digital Selection). In the States/Union Territories where the number of Haj Applications received exceeds their quota, pilgrims shall be selected provisionally by Qurrah conducted on the covers. The Qurrah shall be conducted by the HCoI online based on randomisation. The date and other details of Qurrah shall be publicised by HCoI through the Haj Committee of India Website. Immediately after Qurrah, the selected and waitlisted applicants will be informed through the Haj Committee website and through the “HAJ SUVIDHA APP & SMS. 16. PRINCIPLES OF QURRAH (Draw of Lots): The order of priority for conrmation of the seats in a State/UT is as follows: Category-1: 65 or above age category including such LWM; Category-2: Ladies without Mehram below age of 65; Category-3: General Category. Order of Priority: a. If the applications under Category-1 are more than the quota of the state/UT, then the qurrah (draw of lots) will be conducted within Category-1, state/UT wise. Pilgrims in Category-1 will be given rst priority for allocation of seats. A waiting list for Category-1 would be prepared in this case. b. The second priority would be given to Catgory-2. If the remaining quota, after allocation to Category-1, is less than the applications in Category-2, then qurrah shall be done for Category- 2, state/UT wise. In this case, a separate waiting list shall be prepared for Category-2. c. After the Category-1 and Category-2 applications have been exhausted, the qurrah (draw of lots) will be held state/UT wise among the general category applicants for the remaining seats. Another waiting list, called as General Waiting List (GWL) or Category-3 waiting list will be prepared 14  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) by conducting qurrah (draw of lots) among those applicants who applied under the general category but could not get a conrmed seat. d. From among the three waiting lists, viz. Category- 1 WL, Category-2 WL and GWL, the applicants from the Category-1 WL will be given conrmed status rst, followed by Category -2 WL and thereafter, GWL against any future available seats. If the applications under Category-1 are equal to the quota of a particular state/UT, the entire quota will be utilized for Category-1 and all other Category- 2 and general category applications will be put under Category-2 WL and GWL respectively, drawn on the basis of qurrah (draw of lots). 17. GENERAL WAITING LIST: A separate Qurrah (draw of lots) of non-selected covers shall be held state- wise/UT-wise in the state/ UT that receives Haj applications in excess of its quota to allocate a wait list number to all such covers. The conrmati on of seats with respect to wait-listed pilgrims shall be communicated by HCoI as and when a vacancy arises due to the cancellation of the journey by the selected pilgrims. If the selected pilgrim wants to cancel the journey for any reason, he should apply for cancellation online in HCoI website or through “HAJ SUVIDHA APP”. The cancellations will be examined and recommended by SHCs & cancellations shall be marked in the web portal of HCoI. Thereafter, wait listed pilgrim as per serial number on the basis of the rst cancelled seat for the rst wait-listed applicant shall be selected. The order of the waiting list will be strictly followed without any deviation. Once marked, cancellation cannot be revoked for any reason. The wait-listed pilgrims should remain in contact with the HCoI, State/UT Haj Committee about the current status of their seat conrmation. 18. RULES OF CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Only cancellations on the grounds of death or serious ailment of the person concerned will be allowed. In case of cancellation on any other ground, penalties will be imposed as per guidelines (refer para 40) and amendments thereto by HCoI. The HCoI shall make arrangement for refund of amount deposited by applicant preferably within a period of one month. 19. PAYMENTS BY PILGRIMS AND CONFIRMATION: A. Bank Reference Number: All provisionally selected pilgrims will be allotted a unique bank reference number which must be quoted compulsorily by the pilgrims for depositing advance Haj amount and balance Haj amount in instalments in the State Bank of India / Union Bank of India. 15  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) B. Payment: The intending pilgrims may use either of the following modes for payment of Haj amount for Haj pilgrimage: (a) Online through e-payment facility available at www.hajcommittee.gov.in. through (i) Credit Card (ii) Debit Card (iii) Net Banking (iv) UPI (b) By deposit in State Bank of India/ Union Bank of India branches throughout India using Bank Reference Number against your Cover No. with the Pay- in-Slip which can be downloaded from website of HCoI www.hajcommittee.gov.in or the “HAJ SUVIDHA APP”. C. Advance Haj Amount: All the provisionally selected pilgrims shall pay Rs.1,30,300/- (Advance Haj Amount - Rs.1,28,000/- plus Miscellaneous Dues - Rs. 2,000/- & Non- Refundable Processing Fee of Rs.300/-). D. Conrmation: After depositing the amount of Rs.1,30,300/-, the provisionally selected pilgrim shall be required to submit a copy of the pay-in-slip along with the Medical Screening and Fitness Certicate (as per format annexed with the Guidelines) to the concerned SHC within one week after the date of Qurrah. The provisional selection of Pilgrim shall be conrmed by the HCol on receipt of all required documents from pilgrims either through HCoI portal or through the concerned State/U.T. Haj Committee. Compliance of this condition is mandatory for all categories of applicants. E. Balance Haj Amount: i. The charges for facilities in KSA in respect of accommodation, Qurbani (Adahi Coupons), Transportation, and other items will be remitted in Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) by HCol to CGI Jeddah at the foreign exchange rate applicable for SAR at that point of time. The pilgrims will be informed about the estimated total expenditure in due course through various modes including media/ website of HCoI and through SHCs. The selected pilgrims shall pay the balance Haj amount (excluding amount paid as advance Haj amount) in two instalments in timelines xed by HCoI. The pilgrims will have to pay the rst instalment of 16  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) balance Haj amount i.e. Rs.1,42,000/- with the release of the rst waitlist and the remaining balance amount shall be paid to HCoI tentatively by 31st December, 2024. Failure to make the payments by due date may lead to cancellation of Haj seat. ii. In case of increase in the cost of arrangements due to change in foreign exchange rate, the difference amount, if any, will be charged to pilgrims. The requirement of such amount will be conveyed by HCoI in due course. iii. HCol has completely computerized the Haj Pilgrims Movement System including booking of Haj Seat at Embarkation Point. The payment details of the pilgrims will be updated in this system and in case it is found that a pilgrim has not cleared the payment to HCoI at any point of time, the seat will be cancelled. The pilgrims are therefore advised to clear all due payments of HCoI within the specied dates communicated in the circulars and HCoI website. F. Making payment does not guarantee Haj Seat: The applicants have to abide by all the Guidelines and give complete and true information. If an applicant gets provisional/conrmed status on the basis of misrepresentation, fallacious or incomplete information/ documents, the pilgrimage of such applicant can be cancelled at any stage of Haj Application process including at the Embarkation Point. Hence, merely making payment of Haj amount does not guarantee Haj seats. G. Visa Fees: All pilgrims including Repeaters intending to visit KSA will be required to pay for Haj Visa as informed by Saudi Authorities for Haj 2025. For Haj 2024, the Visa fee was 300 SAR. 20. CANCELLATION: If the applicant fails to submit the requisite documents or payment or both within the due date, the selection of the pilgrim will be summarily cancelled. If the selected pilgrim wants to cancel the journey for any reason, he should apply for cancellation online in HCoI website or through “HAJ SUVIDHA APP”. The following action will be taken on such requests: i. The cancellations will be examined and recommended by SHCs & cancellations shall be marked in the web portal of HCoI. ii. Once cancellation is marked, it will NOT be revoked on any ground. iii. Refunds on account of cancellations will be governed as provisions of Point 19 of the Haj Policy 2025 and para 40 of these Guidelines. 17  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) 21. ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation and Transportation Facility in Makkah: In compliance with Saudi regulations, accommodation for Haj pilgrims must be arranged and reserved in advance within KSA. The regulations specify that each pilgrim in Makkah is entitled to 4 square meters of space, while in Madinah, the allocation is based on the unit's capacity license (Tashnif/ Tasreeh) issued by Saudi authorities. It may be noted that as per the Tasreeh capacity, a single room may have up to 10 beds. Makkah features uniform accommodation categories, and in cases of unavailability, alternative accommodation units may be assigned in a new area for Haj 2025. Room allocations in both Makkah and Madinah will be managed through a computerised system. Male and female pilgrims will be housed in separate rooms as per the Saudi regulations. Efforts will be made to accommodate pilgrims of a cover in the same building. Male pilgrims will not be allowed entry into the rooms meant for female pilgrims and vice versa on account of the Saudi regulations applicable in KSA. Accommodation will have the following facilities, At least 1 Bathroom for 12 Pilgrims At least 1 Kitchen for 30 Pilgrims Sufcient lifts in case of multi-storey buildings. Adequate air conditioning arrangements Water dispenser at each oor for drinking water Maintenance of air-conditioners, elevators, electricity, plumbing & sewerage, and other different service means by the landlords. At least one Haaris and sufcient cleaners for cleaning the common area. One big sized Refrigerator in each kitchen of the building. Geyser in every bathroom. One residential gas/ electric stove in each kitchen as per the Saudi regulations. Internet / Wi-Fi on each oor of the building. Usable at metallic bed/cots according to dimensions 180 cms x 90 cms x 30 cms (height) and Good Quality mattresses and One pillow for each pilgrim as prescribed by Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, KSA. * All facilities will be available as per the norms of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs of KSA and are subject to change. For transportation, round-the-clock bus service is provided between accommodations in Makkah (outside the Markazia area) and Haram Sharif. However, due to high demand and safety considerations, Saudi authorities may set specic timings for bus operations. Additionally, the bus routes are 18  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) determined by Saudi authorities to ensure pilgrim safety. As in previous years, pilgrims may need to switch buses before entering the tunnel, as separate shuttle buses are operated inside the tunnel by Saudi authorities. It may be noted that the following are not part of the accommodation arrangements in Makkah. Change of Bedsheet Cleaning of rooms except of the common areas Washing Machine Food/Catering Stay and Movements in Mina-Arafat-Muzdalifa-Mina: Mina is a valley with limited space, requiring pilgrims to share large tents with others for a stay of 5-6 days. Accommodations in Mina are arranged by Tawafa Establishments (Moallims), based on the capacity of the camps. Due to the extreme scarcity of space, pilgrims should carry only essential baggage. According to Saudi norms, each pilgrim is allocated 0.98 square meters of space, enough to place a 6x2.5 feet mattress on the oor, as no beds are available. Sanitation facilities in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa are limited. The tents in Mina are equipped with air coolers (not air conditioners), however, the cooling can sometimes be inadequate. The allocation of tents in Mina and the provision of Metro Train/Bus facilities are managed by Saudi authorities to ensure the safety and movement of pilgrims. HCoI has no control over the arrangements made by the Saudi Government at Mina. Due to the space constraints within Mina's traditional boundaries, approximately one-fourth of the pilgrims may be assigned tents outside the traditional boundaries of Mina over which HCoI exercises no control. Tents along the train route in Mina are mandatorily provided with Metro Train tickets, while those not accommodated along the train route receive bus transportation for travel between Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa, and back to Mina. In Arafat, pilgrims are also provided with mattresses. Air conditioners are generally available in every tent, but their performance may occasionally be unsatisfactory due to heavy usage and harsh climatic conditions of KSA. Similar to Mina, sanitation facilities in Arafat are very limited. The pilgrims are advised to keep these limitations at constraints in mind, at the time of applying for the Haj pilgrimage. Accommodation in Madinah The accommodation in Madinah is hired through licensed Housing Groups and only those buildings, which are licensed and registered in E-Path (of Ministry of Hajj & Umrah of KSA) are hired. Due procedure, including publication of advertisements inviting proposals from the Housing Groups as well as 19  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) assessment of these proposals by the competent authorities are carried out to select the Housing Groups. Accommodations in Markazia area (within the rst Ring Road from Haram Sharif) would preferably be hired for accommodating pilgrims subject to the availability of beds in the buildings/hotels. If sufcient units are not available in Markazia area, the accommodation for rest of the pilgrims may be hired outside the Markazia area as per the agreement made with rental groups. Room allotment in Madinah Munawwarah is made on “ON THE SPOT” basis. The allotment at hotel is done only upon arrival of pilgrims in buses and there is no provision of pre-allotment of accommodation to a particular pilgrim. Male and female pilgrims will be accommodated in separate rooms as per the Saudi regulation. Efforts will be made to accommodate all members of a cover in the same building. Male pilgrims will not be allowed entry into the rooms meant for female pilgrims and vice versa on account of the Saudi regulations applicable in KSA. The buildings located outside Markazia are generally apartment type conventional structures and are located at a little distance from Haram Sharif. No Bus facility is available to commute between accommodation (outside Markazia) and Haram Sharif. No Cooking is allowed in Madinah and pilgrims may buy meals from the nearby restaurants. Facilities provided in buildings in Madinah: Most of the rooms in Markazia buildings are with attached bathroom. Maximum capacity of room will be 4-6 pilgrims with limited hotels having a capacity of up to 10 beds. On arrival of the pilgrims, rental groups provide a refreshment kit which includes dates, biscuits, tea bag, sugar, juice etc. Adequate number of lifts are available in Markazia buildings. All hotels in Markazia are with centralized air conditioning. Water dispenser at each oor for drinking water Maintenance of air-conditioners, elevators, electricity, plumbing & sewerage, and other different service means by the hotels. Refrigerators and Geysers are available in all Markazia buildings. Internet / Wi-Fi on each oor of the building is available. The allotment of accommodation in Madinah Munawwarah is a result of complex interplay of many factors like date of arrival in Madinah Munawwarah (peak/ non-peak period), availability of rooms in hotels hired by the rental group for the particular ight, Aqad (contract) number generated from E-path, etc. The pilgrims are advised to keep this in mind while applying for the Haj pilgrimage. 20  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) Rubat Accommodation: Pilgrims who desire and are entitled to stay in Rubat will be allowed to stay in Rubat, subject to KSA norms. No charge for their accommodation will be levied by HCoI or if charges are levied, the same shall be refunded to pilgrims who will utilise the Rubat facility. The respective Rubat Authorities shall submit “Tasreeh” to CGI latest by 31st December 2024. CGI shall conrm and intimate the “Tasreeh” and authorised capacity of the Rubat to HCoI. HCoI will intimate the Rubat Authorities regarding approval of “Tasreeh” and authorised capacity upon its receipts from CGI. HCoI will ask the concerned Rubat Authorities to furnish the list of pilgrims duly selected by them for providing accommodation in their Rubats within the stipulated time. HCoI shall not be responsible in case of any delay on the part of Rubat authorities. HCoI will not entertain any such document received after due date and pilgrims concerned will be booked under Reserved Accommodation Scheme (RAS) of HCoI. HCoI shall hire accommodation units for such pilgrims also if any “Tasreeh” is received from CGI, Jeddah after due date. Note: All the Rubat authorities are advised to register their “Tasreeh” on e-Path system latest by 31st December 2024.failing which difculties may arise in getting Haj visa for Haj 2025 - 1446 (Hijri). 22. SIM CARDS: HCoI does not undertake any responsibility to arrange or provide SIM Cards to the intending Haj Pilgrims for Haj-2025. It is mandatory for the Cover Head to have his/her working Mobile Number registered with HCoI along with a smartphone (Android / IPhone), on International Roaming / Local Package with minimum data of 2GB per day so that all the functionalities and benets of “HAJ SUVIDHA APP” can be extended to the pilgrims. Biometric and passport/visa details of the pilgrims shall be required for the activation of Saudi local SIM cards. The pilgrims, particularly the cover heads, are advised to use the same smartphone and mobile number which they are using in India in KSA during the pilgrimage after getting the international roaming pack activated from India itself. This will help the pilgrims to avail of all the facilities and benets rendered by the Government of India through the "HAJ SUVIDHA APP". 23. CHANGE OF ACCOMMODATION: The allotment of accommodation will depend on the availability of units in a particular area. Since the accommodation is hired according to the total number of pilgrims, request for change of accommodation cannot be entertained. 21  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) 24. QURBANI (ADAHI): Adahi (Qurbani) is permitted only through entities authorised by KSA for the same. Pilgrims should not fall prey to the fraudsters in the name of Qurbani. Adahi through Authorized entities for Adahi shall be arranged by HCoI for the Covers who opt for it (all pilgrims of a cover have to opt together). Option once exercised, shall not be revoked. However, if the pilgrims of a cover, have opted for Adahi in HAF, but Payment for Adahi is not received by HCoI, within the due date, HCoI reserves the right to change Adahi option to “Not Opted” and pilgrims from said cover must make their own arrangements for Adahi (Qurbani). Usually, by special arrangements with Adahi Coupons provider, all Adahi are generally completed latest by Afternoon (Asr) prayer of 10 th Zil-Hijja. The due date for payment towards Adahi for Haj 2025 shall be the last date of payment of the second instalment. WARNING: All pilgrims have to strictly abide by the directions/instructions and norms set by the Saudi authorities for their own safety as well as the safety of the fellow pilgrims as about 25-30 Lakh pilgrims from all over the world are expected to perform the forthcoming Haj. It is important that pilgrims should continue to remain calm, considerate and sensitive towards the convenience of fellow pilgrims. Pilgrims should avoid any argument/squabble or unruly behaviour with Saudi Arabian Security personnel, guards in Harmain Shareefain, Police personnel, Ofcials/ Representatives of local bodies, Moallim’s Staff, Building Haaris, Ofcers, Of cials, Doctors, Nurses, Ambulance Drivers and Staff of IHPO & State Haj Inspector during their stay in KSA. The pilgrims will be liable for their actions and in case found guilty of misconduct, stringent actions is liable to be taken, while may include arrest and/or immediate repatriation to India along with penalties and any other legal action. 25. MEDICAL SCREENING AND FITNESS CERTIFICATE FOR EVERY APPLICANT A. A medical check-up report for the pilgrims is mandatory. In order to ensure that only healthy pilgrims proceed for Haj, a two-step medical screening has been introduced one at the application stage (on the reverse of the Haj application) and another of the selected pilgrims at the embarkation stage. Every applicant should ll out the medical history, get examined, and obtain a Medical Screening and Fitness Certicate from Government allopathic doctor, on the reverse of his/her Haj Application. 22  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) B. The Health Certicate to be issued to the pilgrims by Medical Ofcer shall have information related to mandatory vaccinations. The digital medical health certicate will be issued to selected Haj pilgrim in collaboration with MoHFW. C. Haj is an arduous and strenuous pilgrimage involving walking up to 25 km in a day in extremely harsh climatic conditions of KSA and the pilgrims are strongly advised to maintain good physical health, stamina and endurance. In view of the same and looking at the higher vulnerability and health risk to pilgrims aged 60 or above, a special screening shall be done for every pilgrim aged 60 or above as per criteria to be prescribed by MoHFW in the interest of the health of senior citizens. D. The Health Certicate to be issued to the pilgrims by Medical Ofcer shall have information related to mandatory vaccinations. 26. HEALTH AND TRAINING (HAT) CARD FOR SELECTED PILGRIMS ONLY: Every selected pilgrim shall obtain a Health and Training (HAT) Card and Haj Guide from the State / Union Territory Haj Committee upon submission of pay- in-slip for the paid Advance Haj Amount. 27. VACCINATION CERTIFICATE: INOCULATION OF MENINGITIS/ QUADRUPLE INOCULATION: All selected pilgrims (more than 2 years of age) are required to possess a certicate of inoculation with a single dose of the cerebrospinal meningitis vaccine. Pilgrims, therefore, must get themselves inoculated against meningitis and obtain a vaccination certicate on the Health and Training (HAT) Card before proceeding to the Embarkation Point. The certicate should be signed by the district health ofcer. Incomplete and bogus certicates shall not be entertained. Arrangements are made every year by the State/UT Haj Committees for inoculation and the issue of the certicate to individual pilgrims after they have been examined by the Medical Ofcer. Similarly, the State/UT Haj Committee and District Administration make such arrangements for the inoculation of the pilgrims in the respective States/UTs throughout the country. The HCoI, in coordination with the State/UT Haj Committees, will ensure that the pilgrim gets dosages of all required vaccines as per medical protocol. MoMA, in collaboration with MoHFW, will ensure timely availability of all vaccines for Haj pilgrims. A contingent of medical personnel will be deputed in collaboration with MoHFW, to Saudi Arabia to cater to medical needs of Haj pilgrims. 23  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) 28. ORAL POLIO VACCINATION: It is mandatory to give Oral Polio Vaccine to all pilgrims six weeks before the start of the Haj journey and obtain the Oral Polio Vaccine certicate from the concerned health authorities on the Health and Training (HAT) Card. They will be given another dose of Oral Polio Vaccine at the time of their disembarkation in KSA. 29. EMBARKATION POINT (EPs): There will be 20 Embarkation Points for the pilgrims of Haj 2025 (Hijri – 1446).The pilgrims will be required to give two choice of EPs in their order of preference. Once the EP is selected no request for change of Embarkation Point shall be entertained. The Embarkation Points, which will be operationalised during Haj-2025 are detailed as under:- 1. Ahmedabad 2. Aurangabad 3. Bengaluru 4. Bhopal 5. Calicut 6. Chennai 7. Cochin 8. Delhi 9. Gaya 10. Guwahati 11. Hyderabad 12. Indore 13. Jaipur 14. Kannur 15. Kolkata 16. Lucknow 17. Mumbai 18. Nagpur 19. Srinagar 20. Vijayawada This arrangement can be suitably modied by MoMA subsequently, in public interest, with the approval of the Competent Authority. In case of number of passengers travelling from an EP goes above or below the economic operation of the air charter services, MoMA reserves the right to reallocate the passengers to any other EP in the interest of smooth air charter operations and air safety protocols. 24  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) In addition to 20 EPs, MoMA may also consider the requests for inclusion of other Airports as EPs with the approval of competent authority and subject to approval of Ministries such as Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Home Affairs and also authorities of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). MoMA in coordination with MoCA will ensure that selection of Airlines for Haj operations is done through a transparent process following due process. and the pilgrims will be charged airfare on actual basis. The fare (including Airport Charges and GST/Services Tax) for Haj-2024 are indicated in the following table along with the total Haj amount for reference. It has been seen as per past trends that cost of the chartered ights from smaller airports is generally higher than the major airports like Delhi, Mumbai etc. This table is only indicative in nature and the actual amount for different EPs shall vary for Haj 2025, based on the actual bids received for different EPs (In Rs.) Sr. Total Amount Embarkation Points Airfare No. (Haj 2024) 1 Ahmedabad 3,32,700.00 94,685.80 2 Aurangabad Did Not Operate 3 Bengaluru 3,43,500.00 1,05,489.60 4 Bhopal 3,87,150.00 1,49,127.61 5 Calicut 3,73,000.00 1,34,972.26 6 Chennai 3,44,950.00 1,06,932.00 7 Cochin 3,37,100.00 99,082.60 8 Delhi 3,30,100.00 92,054.80 9 Gaya 4,11,600.00 1,73,563.21 10 Guwahati 4,09,800.00 1,71,748.01 11 Hyderabad 3,34,700.00 96,669.60 12 Indore 3,71,200.00 1,33,163.21 13 Jaipur 3,42,500.00 1,04,470.56 14 Kannur 3,38,000.00 99,951.60 15 Kolkata 3,58,700.00 1,20,655.00 16 Lucknow 3,39,100.00 1,01,049.80 17 Mumbai 3,21,150.00 83,109.80 18 Nagpur 3,42,100.00 1,04,057.80 19 Srinagar 4,04,850.00 1,66,811.21 20 Vijayawada 4,02,700.00 1,64,655.01 The actual airfare for Haj 2025 will depend on the rates obtained through the bidding process to be initiated by MoCA. No change of Embarkation Point 25  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) will be permissible after selection of preferential Embarkation Point by the pilgrims. 30. FLIGHT: Flight Allotment: a. Subject to the capacity of a ight and choice of EP, all pilgrims of a district and adjacent districts shall preferably be accommodated in the same ight. Information about the ight details to a pilgrim will be intimated to him/her in advance through SMSs/WhatsApp. This information will also be uploaded on website of HCol at https://hajcommittee.gov.in and “HAJ SUVIDHA APP”. Pilgrims are advised to plan their journey as per the schedule informed to them. No request for change of travel/ight date will be considered after e-booking. b. Considering the situation, HCol may cancel or transfer the seats from one ight to another ight. The date of travel allotted to pilgrim will be tentative and the journey shall be conrmed only on the basis of availability of seats in a particular ight. Pilgrims are advised to cooperate with the authorities on issues related to their journey date and ights. c. Each Cover Head should ensure decent behaviour, in a civil and dignied manner within their own group, with fellow pilgrims, ofcials of the SHC & HCoI and the Saudi authorities. Any misbehaviour either by pilgrim or their relatives will be viewed seriously and appropriate legal action besides cancellation of Haj journey shall be taken in such cases. d. In case of long ight delays/cancellations, the Airlines shall be responsible for providing snacks/food/transit accommodation etc. as per the relevant laws/rules/conventions. e. The pilgrims will not be allowed to travel through any other ight besides the ight allocated to them, except in unavoidable circumstances, subject to the availability of seats and payment of one-way airfare. f. The Air ticket under air charters is non-transferable. All pilgrims are issued round-trip outward/inward tickets in specied ights on specied dates. No change/cancellation/transfer will, therefore, be allowed on return ight schedule. g. e-booking for air travel shall be subject to clearance of all dues. h. After the allocation of ights, HCoI opens the ight conrmation through e-Booking on “Haj Suvidha App”, which will be available for the pilgrims for 10 days. All cover heads are advised to settle their dues and conrm their Haj journey through e-Booking, within 10 days. In case of issues in this regard, the pilgrims may approach the respective SHCs or HCoI. If dues are pending, conrmation shall not be possible and the seat is liable to be forfeited. It is in the interest of the pilgrim to settle his/her dues and conrm his booking within this period. The period may be extended as per the requirement and subject to seat availability on the 26  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) ights. No change of schedule will be entertained after this period and it will be deemed that the booking is nal. Pilgrims who conrm their e- Booking should report to the allocated Embarkation Point as per the instructions by HCoI before departure, along with original payment receipts and the online Flight Booking receipt for collecting travel documents. i. All service arrangements in KSA are made based on conrmed ight schedules which are also linked to the Haj visa and hence in case a pilgrim does not report/board his/her ight after given e-booking conrmation, he/she shall have to pay one-way airfare per head for next available ight subject to the availability of seat and be held responsible for any consequences arising thereof. j. Relaxation on the above shall be considered only in case of death/serious medical ailment on submission of relevant documents, subject to approval of Competent Authority. k. Request for split of Cover shall not be considered at all. l. The accommodation allocated to pilgrim will be nal and will not be changed in any case. m. The pilgrims are required to produce certicate related to their Health status, Vaccination (OPD Booklet) of Quadrivalent Meningitis (ACYW135), Inuenza vaccines and Oral Polio vaccine, their medical history and training details. n. HCol reserves the right to change ight date/timing or even to cancel the journey in case of exigencies. o. The reporting time at the Airport shall be 5-6 hours prior to the departure of ight. p. The pilgrims shall carry baggage allowed by airlines only, as specied by HCol in Haj Guidelines and Haj Guide. Non-compliance may even lead to cancellation of Haj journey and forfeiture of entire Haj amount deposited at any stage of the journey. q. Accommodation at Haj House shall be available only for Hajis All other persons may make their own arrangements. FLIGHT SCHEDULE: Flight schedules are decided as per availability of slots at airports, operational factors of airlines and are further subject to approval from General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia and Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Flight schedule of HCoI is divided in two laps. In the rst lap, pilgrims will be own to Madinah Munawwarah. In the second lap pilgrims will be own to Jeddah Haj Terminal and transported to Makkah Mukarramah by buses/trains. 27  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) COMMENCEMENT OF FLIGHTS: Allotment of ights shall be as per the Guidelines/norms/instructions issued by the Airlines and Civil Aviation authorities, conrmation of accommodation by CGI, Jeddah or any other reason as decided by the Competent Authority. The tentative date for commencement of Haj Air Charter Flight operations will be from 29.04.2025 and the last ight may be scheduled up to 30.05.2025. The return ights would commence tentatively from 11.06.2025 and conclude on 10.07.2025. The return boarding pass will be issued to the pilgrims at the time of outward journey itself. The dates of return journey from Jeddah/Madinah Munawwarah are allotted strictly in the order of pilgrims' arrival at Madinah Munawwarah/ Jeddah. Pilgrims are advised to note their return dates mentioned on the return boarding pass and report at Jeddah/Madinah Munawwarah Airport eight (8) hours in advance of the departure time of their ight. Transportation shall be arranged from accommodation to airport by CGI Jeddah. If the pilgrims fail to reach Jeddah/Madinah Munawwarah airport in time and miss the specied ight, HCol shall not be responsible for their r eturn journey and such pilgrims shall also not be entitled to any refund. Such pilgrims shall have to make their own arrangements, at their own risk and cost, for their return journey. City Check-in: Airlines shall provide City check-in services during return journey. Baggage will be collected from the pilgrims in their respective buildings at Makkah and Madinah for each ight 36-48 hours in advance. NOTE: 1. MoCA makes Air Charter Arrangements for pilgrims of HCoI. HCol shall not be liable for any damage/loss/ injury/accident/delay/any other irregularity, which may occur on account of negligence or fault of the persons concerned with the arrangements. HCol is also not liable for any loss or additional expenses incurred due to delays or changes in ight schedule and any other services, adverse weather conditions, strike, civil/political disturbances, war, quarantines, natural calamities, technical snags of the aircraft etc. All such losses or expenses will be borne by the pilgrims. 2. All Pilgrims should follow the safety instructions given by the Crew, wear seat belts, and not offer Namaaz in the aisle of the aeroplane. Pilgrims can, however, offer prayers on their seats. They should also refrain from spilling water while performing ablution (wudu) and avoid crowding at one place as the same can be a safety hazard on the ight. 28  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) While onboard, the pilgrims will be informed about crossing of Meeqat, so as to enable them to make Niyyat. AT JEDDAH/MADINAH AIRPORT: All the pilgrims reaching Jeddah/Madinah Airports should keep their travel documents (Passport, Visa, Vaccination cards) ready for inspection. The pilgrims shall be required to give their biometric identication before the immigration authorities. Necessary entries in the passports will be made by the concerned authority on their entry in KSA. On arrival in KSA, the pilgrims will be transported to Makkah/Madinah city by buses/trains by Moallim/Maktab. Their passport will be collected by Service Provider/Moallim/Maktab Staff. The pilgrims are also required to wear Moallim’s/Maktab’s bracelet provided to them by Moallim/ Maktab. The pilgrims will be transported to the respective allotted buildings hired for their accommodation. The pilgrims shall also be required to observe instructions of KSA enforced at the time of arrival. Directions of Saudi Authorities and Indian Haj Pilgrims Affairs Ofce are to be followed strictly. Indian Haj Mission shall make necessary arrangements for smooth transportation of pilgrims from the Airports. In case of any difculty, Indian Haj Pilgrims Affairs Ofce located outside the airport can be contacted by the Indian pilgrims. 31. DURATION OF STAY IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA: The duration of stay of pilgrims may be up to 40-45 days and may vary as per schedule provided by the Airlines and approved by General Authority of Civil Aviation, KSA. Accommodation units in Makkah Mukarramah are hired for the entire Haj season. The rate charged is for the entire Haj Season irrespective of the duration of stay and hence, all pilgrims are charged uniformly. No pilgrim is entitled for any refund on the basis of actual duration of stay. 32. IN CASE OF DEATH: In case of death, due to natural causes or accident during the Haj period, burial rituals may be performed as per prevailing practice in KSA. The original Death Certicate is directly sent to the next of kin of a deceased pilgrim by the CGI, Jeddah, after the completion of Haj season. 29  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) 33. STATE HAJ INSPECTOR (SHI) (EARLIER KNOWN AS KHADIM-UL-HUJJAJ (KUH): MoMA sets apart seats to send SHIs from all States/ UTs to help and assist the CGI in Jeddah in looking after the welfare of Indian Haj pilgrims in an organised manner. The SHIs would be Government servants, selected by the State/UT Haj Committees as per the norms laid down by MoMA. To optimise the facilitation of assistance to pilgrims, the CGI, Jeddah may hire locals in KSA and women Khadims from existing Indian diaspora. 34. PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: a. The persons with benchmark disability/disabilities who cannot travel alone, as certied by the medical authorities, applying for Haj must be accompanied by an able-bodied person during all stages of the Haj journey. b. He/ She should be the blood relative/ spouse of such a person. Repeaters are permitted to be companions for Persons with Special Needs subject to submission of solemn declaration that no First time Blood Relative/Spouse is available in the family as companion. The Companion shall be aged 18-60 years. Assistance to Divyangjan and elderly pilgrims will be provided by the Indian Haj Mission on a need basis. In spite of the extra-territorial nature of the Haj pilgrimage, the Government would endeavor to provide best possible accessibility to Divyangjan pilgrims including on a payment basis. 35. BAGGAGE: Standard Baggage: (a) Check- in-Baggage: The dimensions (size and shape) and weight of two suitcases, which will be allowed for each pilgrim to carry, as Check-in Luggage during both Outward and Inward journey are as follows :- Description Number of Weight Size Pieces Not above (75 + 55 + 28) (Length + Breadth + Two (2) Upto 20kgs. Height) Check-in-Bag Suitcases each 158 cm maximum total dimensions 30  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) Standard baggage: (b) Hand / Cabin Baggage: Only one hand Bag of the following dimensions (size and shape) and weight is allowed as Hand / Cabin Baggage for both Outward and Inward journey. Description Number of Weight Size Pieces Hand bag One (1) bag Upto 7 kgs 55cm X 40cm X 23cm Baggage items other than the specied suitcases and Hand Bags shall NOT be accepted by the Airlines. HCoI will not be responsible for pilgrims carrying extra baggage or baggage other than the size and weight prescribed above. Non- compliance of this instruction may even lead to cancellation of Haj journey and forfeiture of the entire amount deposited by the pilgrim at any stage of journey. WARNING : PILGRIM SHOULD STRICTLY FOLLOW THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR SIZE, SHAPE AND WEIGHT OF HAND BAG / CABIN BAGGAGE. THE UNSPECIFIED OR OUT OF SHAPE, SIZE AND WEIGHT ABOVE 7 KGS., HAND BAG WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE AIRLINES AS CABIN BAGGAGE. THE SAME SHALL REMAIN WITHHELD AT JEDDAH/MADINAH HAJ TERMINAL. HAJ COMMITTEE OF INDIA SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING BACK SUCH WITHHELD BAGGAGE FROM JEDDAH/MADINAH TO INDIA. PILGRIMS IN THEIR OWN INTEREST SHOULD REMAIN CAUTIOUS AND FOLLOW THE RULES OF AIRLINES. THE PILGRIMS ARE ADVISED TO KEEP IMPORTANT ITEMS LIKE PASSPORT AND OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, MEDICINES, SPECTACLES, ETC. WITH THEM CAREFULLY OR KEEP THE SAME IN THE HAND BAG/CABIN BAGGAGE AND NOT IN THE CHECK-IN BAGGAGE. Note: Pilgrims must record their Cover Number, Name, Address, and Flight Number & Embarkation Point on baggage by bold marker pen for easy identication. In the absence of these markings, tracing of any missing baggage becomes difcult. Zam Zam Water: The pilgrim should not carry any Zam Zam cans or bottles or in any other manner separately at the time of return from KSA. KSA authorities will seize the baggage at the Airport if Zam Zam or any prohibited items are found in the said baggage. The baggage search may also result into damage of baggage or even misplacement of other items packed in that baggage. Zam Zam can of 5 litres shall be provided to every pilgrim at their disembarkation point by the airlines. Efforts are, however, being made to provide more than 5 litres Zam Zam Can to the Indian Haj Pilgrims. 31  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) 36. LOST BAGGAGE CLAIM PROCEDURE: Before handing over their baggage for check-in, the pilgrims are advised to obtain tags from the airlines in respect of their baggage. The availability of baggage tag is a must and useful in case the baggage goes missing. In case the pilgrim does not nd his/her baggage on arrival, he/she may take act ion as under: i. Pilgrim should approach the airline’s lost baggage desk nearest to the baggage area. ii. The baggage tag provided by the airline at the time of check-in may be presented to the airline authorities for lodging complaint. iii. The pilgrim may le Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and submit it to the airline. A copy of the PIR may be kept by him/her for his/her future reference. iv. A complaint may be led with the airline directly, for claiming lost baggage for seeking compensation from the airline, together with all relevant trade documents, after waiting for lost baggage till the last ight. v. The last date for making a claim for lost baggage shall be 10.09.2025. 37. BANNED ITEMS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS: i. Carrying inammable items like kerosene, petrol, stove etc. is strictly prohibited. Any pilgrim found carrying any of these items, will be liable for appropriate legal prosecution / punishment. ii. The import of Khash-Khash, Viagara-tablets, Sexual oil and cream, Synthetic Kapore, Cystone, Khammera, Gutkha, Khaini, Gul, Peppermint or narcotics in any form into the KSA is banned. All the pilgrims are advised not to carry such prohibited items. In case any such items are recovered from pilgrims at any point of Haj travel, he/she may be liable for legal action and even may be arrested and repatriated by KSA authorities as per the local laws. iii. KSA has banned carrying any kind of political literature or photographs or pornographic material, while visiting Saudi Arabia for Haj. Violation of these instructions will also invite severe punishment. iv. KSA has banned the carrying foodstuff, both cooked and uncooked. Haj pilgrims are not permitted to carry oil, ghee, pickles, sh, sweetmeats, vegetables, fruit and similar articles etc., with them either in their personal baggage or otherwise. The Customs Authorities at Jeddah/ Madinah or at the Airport itself shall conscate such items and the pilgrims may have to face consequences for the same. The pilgrims are, therefore, strongly cautioned in their own interest not to carry eatables with them while proceeding for Haj. As per instruction of Saudi authorities, cooking has been strictly prohibited in the pilgrims’ accommodation buildings in Makkah Mukarramah (Markazia) and Madinah Munawwarah. The pilgrims will have to make their own 32  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) arrangements for meals by purchasing the same from restaurants, hotels, etc. v. The pilgrims are advised not to carry their tickets/travel documents, extra cash, jewellery or other valuables while going to Mina. Pilgrims should not carry any gas ring/cooker/cylinder or kerosene stove or any inammable articles to Mina as cooking of items is strictly prohibited in Mina. vi. KSA do not permit pilgrims to do business activity. Therefore, carrying any goods/articles in commercial quantities is strictly prohibited. Any pilgrim found indulging in business activities shall be liable for action as per law. vii. Any pilgrim proceeding for Haj through HCoI found begging in KSA will be dealt with strictly including cancellation/detention at any stage, with forfeiture of any amount deposited. viii. As per Saudi Customs law, the pilgrims have to declare if they are carrying Cash or equivalent valuable items of SAR 60,000 and more for the entire Family Cover. 38. REFUNDS: In case of cancellation, efforts will be made to process the refund within one month from the date of receipt of cancellation request from the concerned pilgrim in the prescribed format. However, Rs. 2,000/- collected as Miscellaneous Dues shall not be refunded at any stage of cancellation. Refund will be made after making the following deductions: Sr. Deduction per Date of receipt of cancellation No. pilgrim 1. Upto 18.02.2025 Rs.2,000/- 2. From 19.02.2025 to 18.04.2025 Rs.9,000/- 3. Till 72 hrs. before the departure of scheduled allotted ight Rs.25,000/- 4. Less than 72 hrs. before departure/Non – Reportee / No One Way show/Missing ight after conrmation/ collection of airfare + Visa travel documents Fees a. These provisions will not, however, apply if cancellation is due to death of the pilgrim or very serious ailments/accident or such stage of pregnancy which renders the pilgrim unt for travel. In such cases, only Rs. 2,000/ - will be deducted per pilgrim. b. These provisions will not also apply to the accompanying family members of the pilgrim, whose cancellation is covered in sub-para (i) above. The family members shall hereby imply wife, husband, father, mother, son, 33  GUIDELINES FOR HAJ – 2025 (HIJRI – 1446) daughter, sister and brother only. In such cases also, only Rs. 2,000/- will be deducted per pilgrim. c. Since air charter tickets are non-transferable, no refund is payable even if return journey portion remains unutilised for any reason. Only as a special case, in case of death of a pilgrim in Saudi Arabia, nominee of deceased will be refunded one-way Airfare. d. Non-reportee means a pilgrim who is allotted a ight but who does not report at the prescribed embarkation point in time. A pilgrim, whose request for cancellation is received after departure of the allotted ight, will be treated as Non-reportee. e. Refund claims should be accompanied with copies of all pay-in-slips, Medical / Death certicate. f. In case of payments made online, refund, if any, will be remitted to the source from where payment was initially made. 39. LEGAL STATUS OF THE HCoI: The HCoI, a statutory body of Ministry of Minority Affairs, Govt. of India, constituted under an Act of Parliament (No.35 of 2002) renders public service on a “No Prot No Loss basis”. It collects the amount from the pilgrims which is required for payment of various facilities and services to the concerned agencies. Nothing extra is being charged from the pilgrims except the Non- Refundable Processing Fee and Miscellaneous Dues towards its administrative expenses including dues of the SHCs as provided in the Guidelines. HCoI, does not come under the purview of Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The pilgrims, therefore, cannot claim any compensation from HCoI under Consumer Protection Act or under any other law for any deciency in the service rendered and / or any act of commission and / or omission which is beyond the control of HCoI. The Supreme Court of India, in its April 16, 2013 Judgement, barred all Courts and Authorities from interfering with the Haj process. 40. JURISDICTION: HCoI will not be responsible for any consequences that may occur because of postal delay, loss in transit, wrong delivery, etc. of the correspondence to and from HCoI. The courts of Greater Mumbai only shall exercise jurisdiction in all matters of dispute. Place: Mumbai (Dr. Leyaqat Ali Aafaqui IRS) Date: 13.08.2024. Chief Executive Ofcer Haj Committee of India, Mumbai. 34  ANNEXURE SOLEMN DECLARATION AND UNDERTAKING For General Category I, Mr./Mrs./Miss_________________S/o./W/o./D/o.________________ an Indian Citizen, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under: 1. I am aware that, as per Government of India policy, a person can perform Haj only "Once in a Lifetime" through Haj Committee of India (HCol). 2. I have never performed Haj through HCol in the past, and hence I am eligible to apply for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446). I am aware that repeaters are not eligible for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446) and if it is detected at any stage that I have already performed Haj through HCoI, my seat shall be cancelled and the entire amount deposited by me shall be forfeited. 3. I have read and understood thoroughly the Guidelines for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446), particularly with reference to eligibility, cost, payments and confirmation, cancellation, refunds, embarkation points, vaccination and health requirements before flight, baggage, flight, and accommodation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and I undertake to abide by the same. 4. I hereby authorize HCol to send SMS to my mobile phone number, even if I am on the DND registry. 5. The particulars given by me in HAF, Solemn Declaration and Undertaking are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I do hereby affirm and declare that in the event I have suppressed material information or given a false / incorrect declaration / undertaking, HCoI shall forfeit the amount deposited by me and I shall be liable for prosecution. 6. I am aware that HCol reserves the right to change the Embarkation Point opted by me. In such a case, I shall abide by the decision of HCol and shall not show any resentment, whatsoever, against the decision of HCoI. 7. I am ready to pay Visa Fees, as levied by the KSA Haj Authorities for endorsement of my Haj Visa. 8. I/We understand that the HCoI works without any profit motive and does not attract the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. 9. I/we understand that the Courts of Greater Mumbai only shall have jurisdiction in all matters of dispute. Further, the Supreme Court of India, in its April 16, 2013 Judgement, barred all Courts and Authorities from interfering with the Haj Process. 10. I/We understand that my/our candidature shall be cancelled if I am/we are found carrying khas- khas, viagra-tablets, sexual oil and creams, synthetic capore, cystone, khammera, gutkha, khaini, gul, peppermint, or narcotics in any form. Besides, I/we will be penalized for carrying banned items as per the prevailing regulations of Saudi Arabia, and I/we will be liable for deportation to India from KSA at any stage of Haj. 11. I hereby agree that the Rubat and metro transport facilities will be subject to the terms and conditions of KSA, and that if this is not possible, I will be obligated to pay charges for the services provided to me. 12. I do not have any criminal prosecutions pending against me and there is no Court Order prohibiting me/us to travel abroad exists. 13. I am medically fit to perform the Haj pilgrimage and do not have any contagious diseases. 14. I understand that accommodation in Madinah is subject to availability, I may be allotted accommodation in Markazia or Non Markazia as per the availability. I will accept the accommodation provided to me, which is approved by the authorities in KSA. Date:_______________ Place: _______________ _____________________________________ Signature/Thumb impression of the applicant.  ANNEXURE SOLEMN DECLARATION AND UNDERTAKING For General/Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) Category I, Mr./Mrs./Miss________________S/o./W/o./D/o._______________, an Indian citizen, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under: 1. I am aware that, as per Government of India policy, a person can perform Haj only "Once in a Lifetime" through Haj Committee of India (HCoI). 2. I have never performed Haj through HCoI in the past, and hence I am eligible to apply for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446). I am aware that repeaters are not eligible for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446) and if it is detected at any stage that I have already performed Haj through HCoI, my seat shall be cancelled and the entire amount deposited shall be forfeited. 3. I have read and understood thoroughly the Guidelines for Haj - 2025 (Hijri - 1446), particularly with reference to eligibility, cost, payments and confirmation, cancellation, refunds, embarkation points, vaccination and health requirements before flight, baggage, flight, and accommodation in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and I undertake to abide by the same. 4. I hereby authorize HCoI to send SMS to my mobile phone number, even if I am on the DND registry. 5. The particulars given by me in HAF, Solemn Declaration and Undertaking are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I do hereby affirm and declare that in the event I have suppressed material information or given a false / incorrect declaration / undertaking, HCoI shall forfeit the amount deposited by me and I shall be liable for prosecution. 6. I am aware that HCoI reserves the right to change the Embarkation point opted by me. In such a case, I shall abide by the decision of HCoI and shall not show any resentment, whatsoever, against the decision of HCoI. 7. I am ready to pay Visa Fees, as levied by the KSA Haj Authorities for endorsement of my Haj Visa. 8. I/We understand that the HCoI works without any profit motive and does not attract the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. 9. I/We understand that the Courts of Greater Mumbai only shall have jurisdiction in all matters of dispute. Further, the Supreme Court of India, in its April 16, 2013 Judgement, barred all Courts and Authorities from interfering with the Haj Process. 10. I understand that if I am found carrying khas-khas, viagra-tablets, sexual oil and creams, synthetic capore, cystone, khammera, gutkha, khaini, gul, peppermint, or narcotics in any form. Besides, I/We will be penalized for carrying banned items as per the prevailing regulations of Saudi Arabia, and I/We will be liable for deportation to India from KSA at any stage of Haj. 11. I hereby agree that the Rubat