Saudi Government increases Haj Quota for India

The Saudi government has hiked the pilgrimage quota for Indian pilgrims by 14,000 raising last year’s quota of 1,57,000 to 1,71,000 this year. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh stated in this regard on Tuesday.

However, asking from Indian Haj Committee, the Committee official said that it was not sure so far and Committee have insufficient information in this regard.

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However, ‘the official request from Indian side to enhance the quota is under consideration,’ added official.

“It is not also not confirm that either government or private operators will be benefited from this enhancement,” as informed the Liaison official, Delhi of Hajj committee.

But, on the other hand, Saudi government has made it mandatory for the pilgrims to complete the vaccination programme and submit its report to the concerned department before taking commuters for the pilgrimage.

In the released list of vaccines, Saudi Arabia has asked to tour operators and governments of the other countries to submit the vaccination certificates against diseases like meningitis, Cholera, yellow fever, viral fever, flu and polio before issuing Umrah and Haj visas.

“A circular has been dispatched to all the Saudi missions from the Foreign Ministry to adhere strictly to the stipulations made by the Ministry of Health when issuing Umrah and Haj visas,” informed Saudi Foreign Ministry official.

“The vaccination, which is valid for three years, should be taken 10 days before the pilgrim’s departure,” it added.

Polio vaccination is compulsory for children under 15 from African countries, Yemen, Nepal, India and Pakistan, while the injection against meningitis and seasonal diseases like influenza that can be fatal for pre-existing patients suffering from Chronic illness such as diabetes and cardiac, renal and wheezing problems are also on the top of the list.

Every year, several numbers of pilgrims across the world go for performing Hajj and India also sends the massive numbers of pilgrims to the holy visit to Makkah and Madina Sharif.

Last year, India has sent a total 1,57,000 pilgrims comprising 1,10,000 from Haj Committee Quota and 47,000 from private tour operators, While, as per Haj Committee, the Committee receives more than 2,00,000 application every year for Haj visit. Thus, it has asked the Saudi Arabia government to enhance the quota.

For, getting the confirm seat on the flight, the applicants need to submit the advance air fare and the balance amount of Foreign Exchange Haj Committee of India, Mumbai by or before the due date of 30th August, 2008, as Haj Committee official website stated.