Date:30/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/30/stories/2008103060270400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Some Hajis yet to get passports

Special Correspondent

- Photo: Mohd.Yousuf

Don’t worry: Haj pilgrims complaining about non receipt of passports to Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir, at Haj House on Wednesday.

Hyderabad: With the first batch of 280 Haj pilgrims set to emplane for Saudi Arabia on Thursday morning, 47 pilgrims have yet to receive their passports. This has led to lot of anxiety among the pilgrims especially those who arrived at the Haj House here from different parts of the State.

The pilgrims complained to the Minorities Welfare Minister, Mohd Ali Shabbir, about the non receipt of passports on Wednesday. Mr. Shabbir told the pilgrims that there was no need to worry and that they would be sent in the subsequent flights as and when the passports are received from the Central Haj Committee, Mumbai. The passports were sent for visa endorsement to the Saudi Embassy at Mumbai and they were expected anytime.

“There is no need to panic. All facilities are provided for the pilgrims at Haj House”, the Minister told the pilgrims. He also instructed the officials to see that they are not put to any inconvenience.

Mr. Shabbir inspected the arrangements made for the pilgrims and released the Haj Guide brought out by the Central Haj Committee.