2026 Hajj applications to start within a week, says minority affairs minister Rijiju

The minority affairs minister said the Hajj committee has started the preparations for 2026

The Hajj applications for 2026 will start within a week and the complete process will be done in the digital mode.

“Within a week, we will start accepting Hajj applications for 2026... I request people to fill out their applications on time so they do not face any problems in the future,” said the Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, chairing a Hajj review meeting on Friday.

In a video shared ANI on X, the minister said that in the light of the Saudi Arabian government setting several strict deadlines, the tour operators have been instructed to adhere to them. The Hajj Commktte of India has also been directed to deposit the payment to the Saudi Arabian government before the deadline.

Notably, the entire process will be digital. The minister also advised the people to get corrections made in their passport, especially if it is about a single name owing to a different system in Saudi Arabia.

#WATCH | Delhi | Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju says, "... Within a week, we will start accepting Hajj applications for 2026... I request people to fill out their applications on time so they do not face any problems in the future. The Saudi Arabian government… pic.twitter.com/RQdKLBnmrq

— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

“If there is a single name in the passport, it does not read while processing in Saudi Arabia. I request people to ensure that if there is a single name on their passport, it has to be corrected,” he said.

He also said that accommodations have also been suggested, with separate arrangements for men and women. “I have been given suggestions regarding the accommodations. We are considering the request for separate accommodations for men and women,” he said, adding, “A companion is mandatory to look after pilgrims above 65 years of age.”

The committee will also offer an option for a short Hajj and will provide state-wise food choices state-wise to the pilgrims according to their respective taste.

Rijiju also addressed the Hajj fatalities and said “Hajj 2025 can be considered the best-managed and most successful in history to date.”

“This time, the total fatalities are 64. Last year, there were more than 200. These fatalities are not due to any lapses or shortcomings in the preparations of the Hajj Committee,” he said.