By SYED FAISAL ALI | ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: Pilgrims coming through the Haj Committee of India are likely to get mobile SIM and debit cards.

The Indian Consulate is trying to obtain as many SIM cards as possible with important numbers uploaded on them for pilgrims this year, Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai said here on Wednesday.

He said it has been noticed that pilgrims do not have the phone numbers of their mission and Haj offices in Makkah and Madinah and cannot reach officials in times of emergency.

“We are trying to obtain SIM cards in bulk, with these numbers on them, and will distribute them among our pilgrims,” Kidwai said.

The consulate is also working out the modalities of giving debit cards to all pilgrims. Pilgrims are given around SR2,100 on arrival at the Haj Terminal during their stay in the Kingdom.

“Sometimes, the pilgrims lose this money and are in an awkward situation following this loss. We are trying to get debit cards for them so that their money is safe and they can perform a tension-free Haj,” Kidwai said. “Since it is a financial matter, the local regulatory body’s assent is being sought.” read more