Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday, October 23, 2026, said that Indian Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia had returned safely to India, while efforts were continuing to assist those still awaiting their return. In a post on X, Rijiju said that more than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims had also returned to India earlier.
The update follows reports of flight disruptions that left thousands of Indian pilgrims facing uncertainty in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Indian diplomatic missions in Riyadh and Jeddah were coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of affected travellers. The government has also established round-the-clock control rooms to provide assistance to Indian nationals requiring support.
Separately, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that around 3,000 stranded pilgrims had returned over the preceding week on available flights. Indian diplomatic missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of the remaining pilgrims and provide assistance to those affected by flight disruptions.
Return Efforts Continue
Emphasising the government’s response to the situation, Rijiju said, “Govt is always proactive to the issues and concerns of Indian citizens. The stranded Umrah pilgrims have returned to India safely in addition to more than 10,000 normal Umrah pilgrims who have returned earlier. Remaining Umrah pilgrims are being assisted.” The minister also shared contact details for the 24-hour control rooms at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to help citizens seeking assistance.
Earlier, on October 22, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that approximately 3,000 stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims had travelled back from Saudi Arabia over the preceding week on available flights. He clarified that these travellers were in addition to more than 10,000 pilgrims who had returned through their scheduled flights during the same period. Jaiswal said Indian diplomatic missions were actively engaging with airlines and tour operators to arrange the early return of those still affected.
He also noted that embassy and consulate officials, supported by community volunteers, were providing welfare assistance and issuing regular advisories. The government has not announced a definitive timeline for the return of every remaining pilgrim.
Flight Disruptions Explained
The situation arose after flight cancellations and disruptions affected Indian pilgrims undertaking Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of the year. Reports indicated that around 4,000 Indian pilgrims had been stranded in Saudi Arabia, including travellers in Mecca and Medina who were unable to return as scheduled. The disruption caused concern among families in India, particularly those waiting for elderly relatives and other family members whose return journeys had been delayed.
AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Central Government to intervene and arrange additional flights to bring the affected pilgrims home. He also called on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to facilitate the use of larger aircraft or arrange special services wherever necessary. Meanwhile, Indian diplomatic missions continued coordinating with airlines and tour operators to identify available travel options and provide assistance.
The Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah have been operating round-the-clock control rooms to respond to requests from Indian nationals. These efforts are particularly important during periods of uncertainty, when travellers may face difficulties securing alternative flights, arranging accommodation or obtaining reliable information about their journeys.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The safe return of stranded pilgrims is a welcome development, but the situation also highlights the importance of timely communication, coordinated emergency planning and accessible assistance for Indian citizens travelling abroad. While the government’s diplomatic missions, airlines, tour operators and community volunteers have a crucial role in helping affected travellers, families also need clear updates about flight arrangements and realistic timelines for their loved ones’ return.
Particular attention should be given to elderly pilgrims, people with medical needs and those facing financial difficulties because of prolonged travel disruptions. Religious journeys should be occasions of devotion and peace, not prolonged uncertainty caused by circumstances beyond travellers’ control.
As the remaining cases are addressed, transparent communication and cooperation between authorities and service providers will be essential to ensure that no traveller is left without support. How can India strengthen its emergency travel assistance systems to protect citizens undertaking religious pilgrimages and other international journeys?
Delhi: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "About the Indians who are presently stuck in Saudi Arabia. Yesterday, we did issue a release, a statement on what we are doing there. I would like to repeat some of the efforts that our Embassy and our Consulate in Saudi Arabia is making. They remain actively engaged with concerned airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of Indian pilgrims who are stuck there. Over the past week, about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have traveled back home from Saudi Arabia on available flights. In addition, we’ve also had more than 10,000 normal Umrah pilgrims who were booked on the available flights, and they have also traveled back home. Arrangements are being under discussion to facilitate the return of of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest. Our Embassy and Consulate, they have been in touch with people who are stuck there. They are rendering support and service to them in collaboration with our volunteers, our community volunteers, and they are also running 24/7 control rooms both in Riyadh as also in Jeddah to assist Indian nationals who are there. And they are also issuing regular advisories so that they can be better informed of the situation on the ground."
— IANS (@ians_india) October 23, 2026
