Delay in opening of Nusuk Portal triggers anxiety among J&K Haj pilgrims

Ziraat Times Team Report

SRINAGAR: Thousands of Haj aspirants across India, including a significant number from Jammu & Kashmir, are facing deep uncertainty and distress as the Nusuk portal —essential for processing Haj 2025 applications under the private operator quota—remains unopened for nearly 10,000 pending seats.

The delay comes close on the heels of the recent reduction in Haj seats for private tour operators (PTOs) earlier this April. According to officials in the Haj Committee of India and private Haj groups, the allocation for PTOs was drastically curtailed, leaving many approved applicants in limbo.

“We are receiving hundreds of calls daily from desperate pilgrims, many of whom have already made partial payments or bookings. The delay in the opening of the Nusuk portal has created a chaotic situation,” said  Umar Nazir Tibetbaqal, a leading Haj group operator from Srinagar.

What is the Nusuk Portal?
Nusuk is the official e-platform of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for processing Haj and Umrah services for foreign pilgrims. Without access to it, PTOs cannot finalize travel logistics, accommodation, or issue visas. Traditionally, the portal opens shortly after seat allocations are finalized, but this year, bureaucratic delays and reduced quotas have complicated the process.

In Jammu and Kashmir, where a large number of pilgrims prefer private packages due to flexible schedules and services, the situation is particularly grim. Several prospective pilgrims expressed frustration over the lack of communication.

“I applied under the private scheme and even got my name shortlisted, but now everything is on hold. We don’t know whether we are going or not,” said Bilal Ahmad Dar, a hopeful pilgrim from Baramulla.

Many travel groups and religious leaders are urging the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to intervene and press for an immediate opening of the Nusuk portal.

“Thousands of pilgrims are feeling  mentally and financially distressed. This uncertainty is unacceptable,” said a representative of the All India Haj PTOs Association.