Haj pilgrims from India this year will have to compulsorily get themselves vaccinated against swine flu to avoid getting quarantined in Saudi Arabia, as per the latest requirements of the government there.
This was announced today by Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor who also advised that elderly, pregnant women and children should avoid making the pilgrimage this year due to the pandemic.
"The Hajis should take suitable precautions and get themselves inoculated as they will be medically screened at the point of disembarkation. This is an advise for the pilgrims to avoid getting quarantined at the point of disembarkation," he said at the Annual Haj Conference in the national capital.
Seasonal flu vaccination has been made compulsory and it is to be ensured that pilgrims from all over the world must take the vaccine at least two weeks before travel, the Saudi government has advised. It also said that health certificates would have to be signed by government doctors.
Tharoor added the Saudi government has intimated that the pilgrims should have international passports only, instead of any other travel document.
External Affairs Ministry's Secretary (East) N Ravi also advised the prospective pilgrims to take adequate medicines with them for their own ailments.
The Minister said this was not to scare the pilgrims but an advice based upon the Saudi government's instructions.
Announcing that a proposal to increase the quota of pilgrims this year has been taken up with the government, Tharoor said a decision was yet to be taken on the matter.
Talks were also on with Air India and Saudi Airlines to allow excess baggage allowance of 10 litres to enable the Hajis carry back the 'zamzam' water.
He added the government had taken certain decisions to "streamline the functioning of private tour operators" who have contributed significantly in sending the pilgrims every year for Haj.
Tharoor also asked state Haj committees to ensure sending community volunteers to streamline the passage of the pilgrims.
Earlier, Haj Committee Vice-Chairman Hasan Ahmed referred to difficulties faced by the pilgrims last year, including getting Saudi visas and cancellation of some special flights.
