The first batch of Indian pilgrims for this year's Haj will arrive on Dhul Qada 1 (Oct. 22, 2009) and preparation for their accommodation and other logistics have almost been completed, said B.S. Mubarak, Consul (Haj and Press and Information). Considering the prevailing situation, he said, Indian pilgrims are currently undergoing orientation program to safeguard against swine flu. He said the Indian pilgrims, before embarking on a journey to Saudi Arabia, will be provided with introductory information on swine flu and the measures they should take in case of flu like symptoms. “The pilgrims will be trained to take precautions such as wearing face masks, to cover their face and mouth while coughing or sneezing and to avoid crowded areas,” he said. A team of doctors will arrive here at least five days before the arrival of the pilgrims, he said. As more Indians are opting to perform Haj this year India has requested for an additional quota of 15,000 pilgrims this year, he said. The existing quota for the Indians is 160,000 pilgrims. Around 168,000 Indians came for Haj last year, after the Saudi authorities approved an additional quota of 8,000 pilgrims. The Indian mission is ahead in its arrangement for accommodation and other logistical preparation this year, as 90 percent of the housing requirement is already taken care of, he said. Majority of Indian pilgrims come through the official Haj committees while others avail the services of tour operators. Mubarak said to offer smooth and more comfortable stay in the holy cities the pilgrims coming through Haj committees will be divided into three categories as against five categories last year. In the first and second categories the pilgrims' accommodation is located around one-kilometer and 1.600 km away from Haram area, while the remaining pilgrims will be accommodated in Azizia area, a few kilometers away from the Haram area.
