Hyderabad: Haj pilgrims leaving for Saudi Arabia next month are in a quandary over speculation that Rs 2,000 currency notes will not be exchanged there. Some messages making the rounds on social media are raising doubts. There is also no clarification on the issue either from the Haj committee of India or State Haj committee.
The customs authorities and the State Haj committee allow the pilgrims to carry with them Rs 25,000 in addition to a specified amount in foreign currency like US dollars. The Haj committee also gives them Saudi riyal 2,100 to meet the expenses in Saudi Arabia during their stay.
Pilgrims carrying the Indian currency exchange it at Saudi banks or other exchange facilities legally available to meet expenses. Some pilgrims bring back a part of it that can be used at Indian airports and elsewhere.
“It is a common practice every year. Pilgrims generally carry high denomination currency notes. The questions now being raised on the Rs 2,000 currency notes and the rumours make the pilgrims vary. Higher denomination notes are generally preferred because they are easy to be handled and kept,” said Abdul Samaad, a travel agent.
When contacted Professor S A Shukoor, Special Officer Telangana Haj Committee, said that they had not received any communication from Haj committee of India or the customs officials.
“Informally we were told by the customs officials that they have been asked not to allow people to carry Rs 2,000 currency notes to Saudi Arabia. We are only advising them to carry smaller currency to be on the safe side,” Mr Shukoor said.
