Hyderabad, March 17: The issue of applications forms for the Haj pilgrimage began at the Haj House yesterday with the Minorities Welfare minister Mohd Ahmadullah releasing the same in the city.
The applications would be available free of cost till April 30 which is the last day for the filled in forms to be handed over. The applications can be downloaded at the website of the Haj Committee of India (www.hajcommittee.com). Photocopies of blank application forms can also be used, a press release said.
The Haj 2011 application has given the option of enclosing the Regional Passport Office (RPO) receipt along with the forms in case the applicants do not have passports and have applied for the same. Saudi Arabia has made it mandatory for applicants to hold valid passports.
“As it is mandatory for pilgrims to have an passport, they are required to enclose a photocopy of the passport. Non passport holders must apply for passport, obtain the receipt from the RPO and attach it with the application form. An Andhra Pradesh state quota of 5,566 has been issued,” said Syed Khaleeludin Ahmed, chairman of the AP State Haj Committee.
Also, the pilgrims who were selected for Haj last year and deposited the full amount but could not go due to non-issuance of visa/passport, will be allowed to proceed this year under the reserved category provided they hold valid passports and do not have fresh applicants within a cover.
Also a waiting list will be prepared for applicants who did not get selected in case of cancellation by confirmed pilgrims. Accommodation has been arranged for the pilgrims in advance through the Consulate General of India, Jeddah. The choice of category (Green, white and Azizia) should be indicated in the form.
The last date for submission of original passports is June 15, 2011, failing which seats of those pilgrims will be cancelled without further intimation and shall be allotted to the wait-listed Haj applicants.
–Agencies