A very important and proud opportunity has come up for the 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 the administrative arrangements during the upcoming Haj pilgrimage in Jeddah, Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Under this recruitment drive, railway personnel will be posted on important posts like Haj Superintendent, Assistant Haj Officer (AHO) and Haj Inspector (HI).
Interested and eligible railway employees can submit their online application through the official portal by August 10, 2026. This opportunity not only provides railway personnel with administrative experience at the international level but also gives them the pious opportunity to serve Indian Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
For which posts is recruitment taking place and what is the eligibility?
As per the official guidelines issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the eligibility for various posts under deputation has been prescribed based on the Pay Matrix of the Railways:
- Haj Superintendent: Gazetted officers working in Pay Matrix Level-8, 9 or 10 in Railways are eligible to apply for this post.
- Assistant Haj Officer (AHO): Senior Railway employees and supervisors working in Pay Matrix Level-7 or 8 are considered eligible for this post.
- Haj Inspector (HI): Non-Gazetted Railway employees working in Pay Matrix Level-6 can submit their application for the post of Haj Inspector.
Strict rules have also been set regarding the age limit and physical fitness of applicants. Applicants must be between 25 and 58 years old by July 1, 2026. Since the Hajj in Saudi Arabia involves extensive walking and working in difficult conditions, applicants must be completely physically and mentally fit.
Allowances, facilities and period of deputation
Railway personnel sent on deputation to Saudi Arabia are provided attractive salaries and allowances as per Central Government rules. The deputation period is usually 2 to 3 months, depending on the activities of the Hajj season.
- Foreign Allowance: In addition to the basic pay received in India, employees are given a fixed foreign allowance and daily allowance (DA) during their stay abroad.
- Free Accommodation and Transportation: Free accommodation is provided in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah and local transportation facility is provided to and from the place of duty.
- Emergency Medical Cover: Full medical insurance and healthcare facilities are provided in Saudi Arabia during the deputation period.
- Round-trip Airfare: The entire airfare from India to Saudi Arabia and back is borne by the Government.
How to 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 of all visit the Haj Deputation Portal of Ministry of Minority Affairs haj.nic.in/deputation.
- Fill the online form by entering your personal details, railway service details, pay-level and passport details.
- Upload a copy of your recent passport size photograph, Railway Identity Card, Medical Fitness Certificate and Valid Passport.
- After filling the online form, take its hard copy (printout).
- Get this printout forwarded to the Personnel Department / Cadre Controlling Authority of your respective Railway Division and submit it through ‘Proper Channel’.
Please note that applications received after August 10, 2026, will not be considered. Additionally, applications that do not receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Railway Administration will be rejected outright.
Selection process and strict instructions of Railway Board
After online applications are submitted, they will be scrutinized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Railway Board. A shortlist will be prepared based on applicants’ vigilance clearance, service record, and past performance. Applicants may also undergo a personal interview or a language test (Arabic/English), if required.
The Railway Board has clarified that employees facing disciplinary action (D&AR) or vigilance investigations will not be eligible for this deputation. Furthermore, preference will be given to new and qualified candidates over personnel who have previously served on Haj deputation.
The role of railway personnel in facilitating the smooth transportation, medical assistance, accommodation management, and administrative arrangements for Indian Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia has always been commendable. Eligible railway employees should complete their applications in time.