Drop in Haj applications from J&K, high expenses to blame

As preparations for the 2025 Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have begun, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant drop in applications from locals for the annual event. For the second consecutive year, officials report that no draw has taken place because the number of applicants fell well below the available quota. This year, officials stated that against the quota of 7,900, only 4,300 applications were received.

“In the final lot, only 3,600 people made the payment,” Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, Executive Officer, J&K State Haj Committee, told The Tribune. A similar trend was observed for the 2024 Haj when the Union Territory was allocated 8,170 seats, but only 7,000 applicants made the final payment.

Qureshi cites multiple reasons for the significant decline in applications. He said that people are now preferring Umrah over Haj and that economic factors are also contributing to the decline.

“The pilgrimage has become costlier for people from Jammu and Kashmir. In 2019, VAT was introduced by Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the Saudi currency Riyal has strengthened against the Indian Rupee. These are among the major reasons why Haj pilgrimage costs have risen,” he explained.

Currently, a pilgrim from Jammu and Kashmir has to pay approximately Rs 4.2 lakh for Haj, whereas the cost from Delhi is around Rs 3.5 lakh. The expenses encompass various components, including travel costs, accommodation, visa fees, transportation within Saudi Arabia, and other incidental expenses, which together create a substantial financial burden for prospective pilgrims.

Adding to the financial strain, the Central government subsidy of 2,100 Saudi Riyals for pilgrims ended in 2023. Qureshi also noted that only Indian airlines can participate in tenders for the Srinagar embarkation, which reduces competition and drives air ticket prices higher.

Moreover, economic distress is another significant factor contributing to the decline. On the other hand, private operators attribute the fall to poor services and higher costs associated with the pilgrimage. Umar Nazir, director of a Srinagar-based travel agency, said many people are shying away from government services due to multiple issues.

“Many individuals reported inadequate facilities in Saudi Arabia for pilgrims last year as one of the main reasons for not submitting their application forms,” Nazir said.

He added, “The services provided by the government are not up to the mark, and people had bad experiences in previous years in terms of services. The pilgrims were not properly attended to during the pilgrimage.”

Nazir also pointed out that the Khadimul Hujjaj officials—who assist and support Haj pilgrims—are not adequately trained to perform their duties. On the other hand, he noted that private operators are witnessing a rise in enquiries about Haj services. However, these services come at a higher cost, which is unaffordable for a large section of the population.