The Ministry of Minority Affairs, currently chaired by Sridi Ilani, has officially announced a partnership with the State Bank of India.。The aim is to issue foreign exchange cards to select Hajj pilgrims。Revised policy allows cardholders the flexibility to use currency based on individual requirements。An earlier version of the policy would hand out 2,100 rials, no matter how much is requested.。
More than 22,000 SBI branches across India to offer foreign exchange cards to pilgrims。It will be combined with compulsory insurance to meet all the requirements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia。SBI's foreign exchange cards, issued in partnership with the central government, reduce the risk of currency losses。In case of pilgrims losing their forex card, they can seek a refund from the bank by contacting the relevant branch。
The SBI said it would set up booths with officials at relevant levels at the embarkation points to solve problems and facilitate the collection of cards.。
The main goal is to make the hajj process convenient, cheap and comfortable for pilgrims。In addition to foreign exchange cards, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has upgraded the full selection process。These selections were made for the first time using an online random number selection process。Of the 1.84 million applications received, 14,935 have been secured for distribution.。
With this milestone reaching 4,314 people, Haji Pilgrim 2023 also set a record for No Lady Mehram.。The remaining 10,621 were reserved for pilgrims aged 70 or over.。
Selection process ends without any human intervention。A text message was sent informing the applicant of their status: confirmed or on a waiting list。In addition, in order to increase transparency, a list of selected applicants has been broadcast live on the public portal.。SBI will use the same SMS service to contact pilgrims to issue forex cards at the most competitive price。