A very important and prestigious opportunity has emerged for Muslim employees and officers working in the Indian Railways. The Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Railway Board have invited applications for employees on deputation to assist pilgrims and manage administrative management during the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage in Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, Saudi Arabia. Under this recruitment drive, railway personnel will be deployed to key positions such as Hajj Superintendent, Assistant Hajj Officer (AHO), and Hajj Inspector (HI).
Interested and eligible railway employees can submit their online applications through the official portal by August 10, 2026. This opportunity not only provides railway personnel with international administrative experience but also gives them the opportunity to serve Indian Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Which positions are being recruited and what are the eligibility criteria?
According to official guidelines issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the eligibility criteria for various deputation positions are based on the Railway Pay Matrix:
Haj Superintendent: Gazetted officers working in the Railway Pay Matrix Level 8, 9, or 10 are eligible to apply.
Assistant Haj Officer (AHO): Senior Railway employees and supervisors working in the Pay Matrix Level 7 or 8 are eligible for this position.
Haj Inspector (HI): Non-gazetted Railway employees working in the Pay Matrix Level 6 can apply for the post of Haj Inspector.
Strict age and physical fitness requirements are also set for applicants. Applicants must be between 25 and 58 years of age as of July 1, 2026. Since Hajj in Saudi Arabia involves extensive walking and working in difficult conditions, applicants must be physically and mentally fit.
Allowances, Facilities, and Duration of Deputation
Railway personnel sent on deputation to Saudi Arabia are provided attractive salaries and allowances as per Central Government regulations. The deputation period is usually 2 to 3 months, depending on the activities of the Hajj season.
Foreign Allowance: In addition to the basic salary in India, personnel are paid a fixed foreign allowance and daily allowance (DA) while abroad.
Free Accommodation and Transportation: Free accommodation and local transportation are provided for stay in Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, as well as local transportation to and from the duty station.
Emergency Medical Cover: Full medical insurance and health facilities are provided in Saudi Arabia during the deputation period.
Return and return airfare: The entire airfare from India to Saudi Arabia is borne by the government.
Apply online by August 10, 2026
Railway employees must adhere to the deadlines for completing the application process. Applications will be accepted online only:
First, visit the Ministry of Minority Affairs’ Haj Deputation portal at haj.nic.in/deputation.
Fill out the online form by entering your personal information, railway service details, pay level, and passport details.
Upload your recent passport-size photograph, railway identity card, medical fitness certificate, and a copy of a valid passport.
After completing the online form, take a hard copy.
Submit this printout through the proper channel by forwarding it to the Personnel Department (Cadre Controlling Authority) of your respective railway division.
Please note that applications received after August 10, 2026, will not be considered. Furthermore, applications that do not receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Railway Administration will be rejected outright.
Selection Process and Strict Railway Board Instructions
After online application submission, applications will be scrutinized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Railway Board. A shortlist will be prepared based on the applicants’ vigilance clearance, service record, and past performance. If necessary, applicants may also undergo a personal interview or language proficiency test (Arabic/English).
The Railway Board has clarified that employees facing disciplinary action (D&AR) or pending vigilance investigations will not be eligible for this deputation. Furthermore, new and qualified candidates will be given priority over those who have previously served on Hajj deputation.
The role of railway personnel in ensuring smooth travel, medical assistance, accommodation management, and administrative arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia has always been commendable. Eligible railway employees should complete their application in time.