PREFACE :

• Haj is obligated on Muslims having physical and financial ability to perform Haj. Haj pilgrimage is physically taxing as it involves arduous journey from one place to another on feet and by various other modes of transport. Haj is performed in a foreign land i.e. in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA). As per General Saudi Guidelines on eligibility to perform Haj or Umrah, a Haj Pilgrim should be fit in various aspects; financial, physical, behavioral and mental.
• Haj Committee of India(HCoI) is empowered to make arrangements for the pilgrims in India under the present norms. HCoI issues these Guidelines and invites applications for Haj 1442 (H) – 2021 (CE.) on provisional basis and subject to final guidelines/norms of KSA, from Intending Pilgrims in prescribed proforma online through website of HCoI hajcommittee.gov.in. The Provisional Guidelines for Haj 1442 (H) – 2021 (C.E.) can be downloaded from the website of HCoI hajcommittee.gov.in. The provisional Haj Application Form (HAF) can be filled and submitted online at hajcommittee.gov.in. or through Android Mobile App “HAJ COMMITTEE OF INDIA” available on Google Play store. [Download]
• The arrangements for Haj 1442 (H) – 2021 (C.E.) will be made under special circumstances with Special Norms, Rules & Regulations, Eligibility Criteria, Age Restrictions, Health and Fitness requirements and other relevant conditions as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may finally decide and find appropriate amid Coronavirus Pandemic. Hence, the entire process on inviting applications from Indian Pilgrims for Haj 2021 is PROVISIONAL and subject to final guidelines of KSA.
• It may also be noted that KSA may even cancel the Haj – 1442 (H) – 2021 (CE.) entirely or partially for International Pilgrims depending upon the prevailing conditions of Coronavirus Pandemic at the time of Haj. HCoI will,therefore, not be liable, for any modification, correction or even cancellation of entire Haj process by KSA. Further, HCoI does not bear any liability/responsibility or financial obligation for any such modification, correction, change or cancellation announced by KSA in due course.
• In the prevailing condition, KSA may allow Haj aspirants having sound health without co-morbidities like Heart condition, Diabetics, Respiratory disorders, Pregnancies and other serious illness for Haj 2021 during Coronavirus Pandemic. The possibilities of further restrictions for Haj–1442 (H) – 2021 (CE.) due to strict health protocols and social distancing norms to be issued by KSA due to Coronavirus Pandemic are also there. Consequently, the expenditure on Haj 2021 is also expected to be relatively higher than during normal period. Therefore, Pilgrims, who are financially sound enough to bear this extra expense should only apply, if they fulfill all other Eligibility Criteria for Haj 2021.
• Haj Pilgrims are considered unofficial representative of the country, as such, they should illustrate composure and decent behavior in all stages of the pious Haj journey.

1.   HAJ ANNOUNCEMENT :

The start of Haj Process is made by an announcement by the Hon’ble Minister of Minority Affairs, Government of India. Subsequently, HCoI publishes the Haj Announcement in all leading newspapers to inform the intending pilgrims about the dates of availability and the last date of filling HAF, validity dates of Passport etc. Intending Haj Applicants are advised to adhere to the time-line announced for Haj 2021.

2.   MANAGEMENT OF HAJ :

Multiple agencies are involved in the management of Haj by Indian Pilgrims. Haj Committee of India under Ministry of Minority Affairs is the nodal agency for making Haj arrangements in India under present norms. State/UT Haj committees assist Haj Committee of India in this regard. All arrangements in KSA are done by Consul General of India (Jeddah) under Ministry of External Affairs. Chartering of Aircrafts for to and fro Air travel is done under overall supervision of Ministry of Civil Aviation. Ministry of Health & Family Affairs provides Vaccines, and assistance in all health and medical related issues.

3.   GENERAL INFORMATION :

The following documents are mandatorily required for Haj 2021 by Indian pilgrims. Pilgrims are advised to keep these documents ready before the Application process starts.

• Passport : Passport of specified date is most important document mandatorily required for making Haj Application. All intending pilgrims should possess machine readable valid Indian International Passport issued before the application dates so as to avoid last minute rush. Ministry of External Affairs instructs all Regional Passport Offices to expedite issue of passport to intending Haj pilgrims after Haj Announcement is made.
• Bank Account : Bank account of Cover Head is essentially required for making Haj Application. However, all the pilgrims are advised to open/ update their Bank Account so that the refund can be credited to their Bank Accounts directly if they so desire.
• Mobile Number : All instructions/information is issued through SMS/Voice messages on the registered mobile number to the concerned pilgrims from time to time. As such, it is advised that all pilgrims should mention their own mobile number in Haj Application and to keep it in functional status so as to enable the authorities to contact them whenever required.
• Aadhaar Card : Though Aadhaar Card is not mandatory for making Haj Application, it is advised that each pilgrim should obtain Aadhaar Card and mention the requisite details at the specified column in HAF as it may be required for RT-PCR test.