A historic all-women group of Indian Haj pilgrims from Kerala received a grand welcome in Jeddah under India’s progressive ‘Lady Without Mehram’ policy. This milestone reflects increasing female empowerment, as 4,558 women undertook Haj without male companions in 2024—a record-breaking achievement in India’s inclusive Haj mission.
In a historic and empowering moment under India’s progressive “Lady Without Mehram” (LWM) policy, an all-women group of Indian Haj pilgrims from Kerala received a grand welcome at the Jeddah Haj Terminal on Wednesday. The Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan, along with his wife Rifat Khan, personally greeted the pilgrims, showcasing the growing global recognition of India’s inclusive Haj reforms.
This visit marks a major milestone in the success of the LWM policy introduced by the Government of India in 2018. The initiative enables Muslim women above the age of 45 to undertake the sacred pilgrimage of Haj without a Mehram (male companion), a long-standing prerequisite that previously limited the participation of women. The Embassy of India in Riyadh, in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the reception and praised the growing empowerment of Indian Muslim women.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs also commended the initiative, stating, “Indian Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) Hajis arrive in Jeddah for Haj under India’s progressive Haj Policy. We hope their journey is filled with blessings and peace.”
In 2024, a record-breaking 4,558 female pilgrims traveled under the LWM category—the highest since its inception. This represents a significant jump from previous years, reflecting the increasing trust and confidence among women in traveling independently for this spiritual journey.
The Ministry further recalled that in 2023, for the first time, even single eligible women were allowed to apply individually under the LWM category, beyond the earlier group-only requirement. This policy enhancement not only resulted in over 4,000 successful applications but also signaled a broader push for gender inclusivity, women empowerment, and social mobility within the community.
During his visit to the Jeddah Haj Terminal, Ambassador Suhel Khan also assessed the ongoing arrival arrangements for Indian pilgrims. He was accompanied by Indian Consul General in Jeddah, Mohammed Hashim. The delegation met with staff and community volunteers, ensuring seamless services for the pilgrims.
The first batch of Indian Haj pilgrims for this season had arrived on April 29. Notably, the government has significantly increased India’s Haj quota from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in 2025. The Indian Haj Mission, under the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India, has meticulously coordinated services including transportation, accommodation in Mina camps, and support for elderly pilgrims and those with special needs, aligning with Saudi guidelines.
India’s commitment to making the Haj experience inclusive, dignified, and efficient continues to pave the way for transformative change, particularly for Muslim women—offering them not just a pilgrimage, but a symbol of independence and equal opportunity.
