Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 16: The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has extended the deadline for completing Hajj-2026 booking formalities through haj group organisers and private tour operators till January 25, 2026, offering relief to thousands of pilgrims who were struggling to meet the earlier cut-off.
According to an official circular, issued by the Haj Division of the Ministry, the extension has been granted in view of multiple representations received from pilgrims and other stakeholders seeking additional time to complete mandatory procedures.
The ministry clarified that the extension is final and has been provided in the larger public interest to avoid inconvenience to pilgrims.
During the extended period, provisionally selected pilgrims are required to complete all remaining formalities, including finalising the booking process, submitting valid passports to the Haj Committee of India or concerned HGOs and ensuring successful onboarding on the Nusuk Portal within the stipulated timeline.
The advisory also reiterated that pilgrims must verify their registration status, quota allocation and approval of the concerned operators before making any booking, and stressed that bookings should be made only through authorised organizers.
“In view of the requests received and in the larger interest of pilgrims, a final extension has been granted till January 25, 2026. No further extension shall be allowed beyond this date under any circumstances,” a senior official at Haj House Srinagar said. (KNO)
