Srinagar, Jan 10 (KNO): Several Hajj aspirants in Kashmir on Wednesday appealed to the government to extend the deadline for the submission of online applications as they cited that their passports are currently under process.
Notably, the Hajj Committee of India (HCI) has invited online applications from eligible candidates interested in serving as Trainers to provide Orientation/Training for the selected pilgrims of Haj-2024 (Hijri-1445), with the deadline for submission set at January 15.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Hajj aspirants expressed the need for an extension of the deadline for online applications saying their passports are still in process, and there is a possibility they might not receive them by the on the cutoff date.
“I have completed all the necessary procedures and even underwent verification. But my passport is still pending,” said Mohammad Ayuob, a Srinagar resident.
“The delay in passport processing is causing concern; an extension in the application deadline would provide much-needed relief,” he said.
“Passport renewal for Hajj is underway, and despite fulfilling every requirement promptly, the pending status has become a hurdle. A deadline extension would offer a fair chance for us to submit our applications once our passports are in hand,” said Mohammad Saleem, another resident.
A group of Hajj aspirants said that there is crucial requirement of a passport number for the Hajj application, which they are yet to receive from the concerned authority. "With the application deadline set for January 15 and the uncertainty of receiving passports by that time, we urge the government to extend the deadline, providing much-needed relief for those awaiting their essential travel document," they said—(KNO)