India has introduced an app for the first time to receive applications from those intending to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage through the government’s Hajj committee next year.

It has also made it compulsory for aspiring pilgrims aged 65 or above to be accompanied by a companion.

As many as 1,75,025 people have been allotted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to India for Hajj 2025.

The app provides the pilgrims access to accommodation and flight details, baggage information, an emergency helpline (SOS), grievance redressal, feedback, language translation, and miscellaneous information and services related to the pilgrimage and also facilitates better coordination and control of the pilgrims by the Indian administration in Saudi Arabia.

Hajj applications for aspiring pilgrims intending to proceed for Hajj 2025 through the Hajj committee of India were opened by Kirren Rijiju, minister for minority affairs in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Applications have been invited on the “Haj Suvidha App” in addition to the website of the Hajj committee of India. A helpline of the Hajj Committee along with dedicated channels on social media are being operationalised to help the pilgrims applying for Hajj 2025.

For Hajj 2025, it would be mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 or above to be accompanied by a companion with the highest priority in allotment being given to the 65 or above age category.

This age criterion was earlier 70 years and now it has been reduced due to the arduous and strenuous nature of pilgrimage and harsh climatic conditions in Saudi Arabia.

This will also ensure that all pilgrims of 65 years of age or above, intending to proceed for Hajj for the first time, would get assured allotment of seats for Hajj 2025, Rijiju said.