A Silent Rule Change: Why Thousands of Children Are Suddenly Barred from Hajj 2025

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Saudi Arabian government has issued several new regulations for Hajj 2025 that will affect pilgrims from India and around the world. One of the most significant changes, announced by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, concerns the eligibility of children for the pilgrimage.

No Hajj visa for children under 12

According to the new rules, children below the age of 12 will not be granted a Hajj visa. As a result, 291 applications from children in India have been canceled, including 18 from Uttar Pradesh.

New guidelines for Umrah and entry into Makkah

For those planning to perform Umrah before Hajj, the deadline for entering Saudi Arabia was April 13, 2025, which has already passed. These pilgrims are required to leave Saudi Arabia by April 29, 2025.

Starting April 23, 2025, entry into the city of Makkah will be strictly regulated. To enter the city, individuals must possess a valid work permit, a Makkah residency ID (Iqama), or a Hajj permit. Anyone found without one of these valid documents will be denied entry into Makkah and sent back.

Option for affected families to cancel bookings

Families whose child’s Hajj application was canceled due to the age restriction may still proceed with the pilgrimage without the child. However, if a family chooses to cancel their entire trip because of this rule, they may do so without any cancellation charges until April 14, 2025. Cancellations can be made online or through the Haj Suvidha mobile app.

Preparations for Indian Hajj pilgrims

Flights for Indian Hajj pilgrims are expected to begin on April 29, 2025. Ahead of this, as per the health guidelines, vaccinations for meningitis will be administered starting April 15, as announced by the Uttar Pradesh State Hajj Committee. For pilgrims departing from Lucknow, accommodation will be arranged at the Maulana Ali Mian Memorial Haj House. All travelers are advised to carry all necessary documents and permits during their journey.