NEW DELHI, INDIA, August 18, 2006: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Anand Sharma, informed the Rajya Sabha today that the Government’s permission is not required for Indian citizens to go abroad for religious purposes. Muslims going on the Haj to Saudi Arabia must have a Pilgrim Pass, a special document issued by the Central Haj Committee that is in lieu of a passport and allows travel only to Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims going on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra or pilgrimages to Sikh Gurudwaras and Hindu Temples in Pakistan need only a regular passport. The Indian Government is also providing varying levels of financial assistance to Haj pilgrims and those going on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in China and to Sikh Gurudwaras and Hindu Temples in Pakistan. Far more money is spent on the Haj pilgrims than any others.
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