MEA approves 8 Kashmir-based Hajj travel operators

Al-Khuddam Hajj and Umrah Services is the only PTO in Kashmir whose name figures in the category-1 list, remaining 7 operators from Kashmir have been included in 2nd category list.

Ministry of External Affairs has approved eight Kashmir-based Hajj travel agents for facilitating Hajj pilgrimage.

MEA every year approves list of Hajj travel operators, after scrutiny and verification of their credentials. Last year MEA had approved only four Hajj travel operators from Kashmir.

Al-Khuddam Hajj and Umrah Services is the only PTO in Kashmir whose name figures in the category-1 list, remaining 7 operators from Kashmir have been included in 2nd category list.

Last year Al-Khuddam and many other private travel operators from across the country had not been approved by the MEA. This has led the PTOs, who were not approved by the MEA to agitate the matter before the Supreme Court of India.

However, this year on the directions of Supreme Court many travel operators who were previously not approved by the MEA, have been approved this year.

Talking to us, MD, Al Khuddam Hajj and Umrah Services, Sheikh Feroz said they were optimistic about the inclusion of company’s name in the list of approved Hajj private operators.

“For category-1 operators, there is no draw of lots and they are given fixed Hajj quota by the Ministry of External Affairs,” Feroz said.

Other PTOs approved from Kashmir are Sahar Tour and Travels, Rohini Tours & Travels, Labaika Haj & Umrah Services, Universe Travel Corporation, Universe Travel Corporation, Gazi Tours & Travels and Al Hayat Hajj and Umrah Travel Services.

General Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Hajj and Tour operators, Umar Ahmad said the registered PTOs will now have to go through draw of lots to get quota.