Srinagar, Jun 02 (KNO): The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has issued an advisory for intending pilgrims, asking them to keep their passports ready ahead of the official announcement for Haj-2027 (1448 Hijri).
According to a circular issued by the HCoI under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has initiated the preparatory process for Haj-2027 by issuing the “Preparation Document for Haj 1448 H” on May 29, 2026.
The circular, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), states that the official Haj announcement for Haj-2027 is expected shortly, and all those planning to perform Haj through the HCoI should ensure their passports meet the prescribed requirements well in advance.
As per the advisory, the passport must be machine-readable and should remain valid at least up to December 31, 2027.
The Haj Committee has advised applicants seeking fresh passports not to leave the “Surname/Last Name” field blank, saying proper documentation and accurate information are necessary for hassle-free Haj travel arrangements.
The circular has been issued by the Chief Executive Officer of Haj Committee of India, Shanavas C. IAS, who also directed all State and Union Territory Haj Committees to give wide publicity to the advisory through appropriate channels so that prospective pilgrims remain adequately informed and prepared.
The advisory comes at a time when the return phase of Haj-2026 operations has begun in Jammu & Kashmir, with the first batch of pilgrims arriving at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday.
Officials said a total of 3,952 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are scheduled to return through the Srinagar embarkation point till June 16—(KNO)