NEW DELHI, Oct 22: The selection process for pilgrims for Haj 2022 will be based on several Covid-appropriate criteria, including complete inoculation with all required doses, and in accordance with the guidelines set by the governments of India and Saudi Arabia, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said today.
After chairing a Haj review meeting here, Naqvi, who is the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, said the official announcement of Haj 2022 will be made in the first week of November and along with that the process of online application for Haj will also be started.
He said the Digital Health Card, “E-MASIHA” health facility and “E-luggage pre-tagging”, providing all information regarding accommodation/transportation in Mecca-Madina, will be provided to all the Haj pilgrims.
Preparations for Haj 2022 have been started keeping in mind the health and COVID protocols of the Saudi Arabian g\Government and the Government of India, he said.
The entire Haj 2022 process in India will be 100 per cent digital, Naqvi stressed, underlining that India sends the second largest number of Haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia after Indonesia.
Naqvi said that arrangements for special training for Haj 2022 regarding COVID protocols and health and hygiene are being made in India and Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrims.
National and international protocol guidelines due to pandemic position will be implemented and followed strictly during Haj 2022, he said.
Naqvi said the entire Haj 2022 process will be held according to the necessary guidelines to be issued by the Governments of India and Saudi Arabia in view of the Coronavirus pandemic to ensure health and well-being of the people of the two countries.
Haj 2022 process is being chalked out after deliberations between the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Haj Committee of India, Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia and India’s Consul General in Jeddah and other agencies keeping in view all aspects of challenges posed by the pandemic, a statement said. (PTI)
