Indian Haj Pilgrims Stranded in Kuwait; Majlis Bachao Tahreek Urges Action
HYDERABAD: More than 250 Indian pilgrims heading for Haj 2026 remain stranded in Kuwait after Saudi Arabia suddenly suspended transit visas. At the same time, disruptions at Kuwait International Airport have made the situation worse, raising concern among families and community leaders.
On April 15, the Embassy of India in Kuwait issued an advisory confirming the immediate suspension of Saudi transit visa facilitation during the Haj season. As a result, pilgrims who planned to travel via Kuwait can no longer use this route.
Moreover, operational issues at Kuwait International Airport have further blocked travel plans. With no direct flights and transit options unavailable, the pilgrims now have very limited alternatives.
The group includes elderly people and families who had already completed their travel preparations. For many, Haj is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, so the uncertainty has caused serious anxiety among their relatives in India.
Meanwhile, Majlis Bachao Tahreek (MBT) spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in. In his representation, he requested the Ministry of External Affairs to engage with Kuwaiti authorities to resolve airport issues. He also called for talks with Saudi Arabia to allow possible exemptions.
In addition, Khan asked the government to arrange emergency evacuation or chartered flights so that the pilgrims can continue their journey. He stressed that the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India should work together to protect the pilgrims’ interests.
However, the situation remains unresolved for now. Families continue to wait for swift government action to help the stranded pilgrims move forward.
