New Delhi: Online applications for Hajj pilgrims from the country have started being accepted this year. How to apply? Let’s see how much is the application fee and what are the other procedures.
This year’s Hajj pilgrimage has a special feature. The central government had announced that application forms will be provided free of cost to Hajj pilgrims from India this time.
Moaz Bakla, Manager of Bakla International Travels, Mumbai answers all Hajj related queries.
Good news for pilgrims
Bakla says the central government’s decision to issue Hajj applications free of charge this time is welcome. Last year, a fee of Rs 400 was charged for each application.
Also, in the last two years, restrictions were imposed on the number of Hajj pilgrims in view of the spread of Corona virus. Today, all restrictions have been lifted. Therefore, there will be an increase in the number of pilgrims.
Preference for differently abled, senior citizens and women
In this year’s Hajj policy, importance is given to women, the elderly and the differently abled. Women above 45 years of age can apply for solo Hajj travel. This year, it is expected that 1,75,000 people will be able to reach the country for the Hajj pilgrimage.
80 percent of them are going as part of the Hajj Committee. Only 20 percent are planning to travel with private Hajj operators. Meanwhile, this time the central government has removed the VIP quota among Haj pilgrims. With this, VIPs will also have to travel like ordinary pilgrims.
How to apply? What are the required documents?
Hajj pilgrimage will be held in May and June this year. The application forms for the same have been made available from February 10. A passport with a maximum validity of six months is required for travel. Two pages of it should be blank. Apart from that, the government has also said that Aadhaar card, PAN card and Covid vaccination certificate should be carried.
The journey organized by the Hajj Committee takes around 40 days. But there are many options for trips under private tour operators. Private operators offer packages of 13, 21, 25, 35 and 40 days. The Hajj Committee of India spends around 3,80,000 to 4 lakhs on the pilgrimage. The application form is available free of charge from the official website of Hajj Committee of India. Offline facility is also available for those who want to apply directly. This system has been implemented in all major cities of India.
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