Only passport holders can apply for Haj this year

CHANDIGARH: The Haj Committee of India has decided that only passport holders will be asked to apply for Haj 2011, a member of the panel said on Wednesday.

"All those desirous of going for Haj should, therefore, apply for international passports immediately and obtain these before the formal announcement of Haj 2011," Haj Committee of India, member, Aftab Ahmed said on Wednesday.

Ahmed, who is also an MLA, said only passport holders would be entertained at the time of Qurrah (draw of lots).

The present two form system, one for Qurrah and another for Haj has been replaced by a single application form, he said.

Ahmed said each head cover, the leader of a Haj team, would be asked to give two mobile numbers so that they could be informed via SMS about latest developments and status of their applications.

Each head cover would also be required to submit a photocopy of a cancelled cheque of his account that would enable the committee to issue refunds faster, he said adding, the refund amount would be directly credited into their accounts.