Mumbai, 18^th June 2022

The first batch of Haj 2022 pilgrims flew from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai today with the Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi seeing them off.  A total of 410 Haj pilgrims were in the first batch from Mumbai Embarkation point. These include 207 male and 203 women Haj pilgrims. Around 8000 Haj pilgrims will go from Mumbai Embarkation point through 19 flights.

“Haj pilgrims of India should pray for the peace and prosperity of the entire world and that the humanity be remain safe from all kinds of crisis,” Shri Naqvi extended his best wishes to the pilgrims for their successful pilgrimage.

Shri Naqvi also mentioned that the officials and the representatives of the government of Saudi Arabia always appreciate the Haj Pilgrims from India for their good conduct. The Minister expressed hope that the Indian Muslims who are going for Haj 2022 will retain that trust. He also thanked the Consul General of Saudi Arabia for the support extended to India in such crucial times. “Saudi Arabia has allowed the maximum number of Haj Pilgrims from India this year,” he said

Shri Naqvi said that Haj 2022 is going on successfully with significant reforms like 100 per cent digital/online processing of applications and better facilities for the pilgrims. The Minister said that, several online/digital facilities including Digital Health Card, “E-MASIHA” health facility and “E-luggage pre-tagging”, providing all information regarding accommodation / transportation in Mecca and Madinah, have been provided to the Haj pilgrims

50% of Indian Muslims Going for Haj 2022 are Women

Shri Naqvi further stated that a total of 79,237 Indian Muslims are going for Haj 2022. Significantly, about 50% of the Haj pilgrims are women. More than 1,800 Muslim women are going for Haj 2022 without “Mehram” or male companion.  From Maharashtra, 4874 pilgrims have registered for Haj 2022.

Besides Mumbai, the flights for Haj 2022 are being operated from 9 other embarkation points- Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderbad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Lucknow,  Srinagar and Guwahati. 

Royal Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Mumbai, H.E. Mr. Sulaiman Bin Eid Alotaibi; Haj Committee of India Chairman Shri A.P. Abdullakutty; Haj Committee of India CEO Mohd Yakoob Shekha and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

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