The Indian Consulate is trying to obtain as many SIM cards as possible with important numbers uploaded on them for pilgrims this year, Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai said here on Wednesday.

He said it has been noticed that pilgrims do not have the phone numbers of their mission and Haj offices in Makkah and Madinah and cannot reach officials in times of emergency.

“We are trying to obtain SIM cards in bulk, with these numbers on them, and will distribute them among our pilgrims,” Kidwai said.

The consulate is also working out the modalities of giving debit cards to all pilgrims. Pilgrims are given around SR2,100 on arrival at the Haj Terminal during their stay in the Kingdom.

“Sometimes, the pilgrims lose this money and are in an awkward situation following this loss. We are trying to get debit cards for them so that their money is safe and they can perform a tension-free Haj,” Kidwai said. “Since it is a financial matter, the local regulatory body’s assent is being sought.”

Kidwai was addressing an impressive gathering at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday. The function, under the aegis of Jeddah Indian Community (JIC), was held to fete him on his appointment as Indian consul general on April 22. The JIC, an umbrella body formed by members of 52 Indian expatriate organizations, held the event to welcome the new diplomat.

Kidwai, while continuing to outline his plans for the Haj, said: “We are planning to create a pool of Indian residents to assist Indian pilgrims in Makkah.”

Kidwai stressed that it was not possible for the consulate to function effectively without the active support and cooperation of the large Indian community. He lauded the role of Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum (IPWF), in particular, for working tirelessly for the welfare of the pilgrims.

He also emphasized that forums and groups that promote people-to-people contacts and also play a key role in strengthening bilateral relations with the Kingdom would be foremost on his list of organizations to contact for support. He named the Indo-Saudi medical forums and Saudi India Business forums as two possible avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation. “I will put more emphasis on boosting trade and commerce between India and Saudi Arabia. The possibilities in these areas are enormous,” he said.

Earlier, the function started with a welcome song by two boys. The JIC Convener, Kader Khan, delivered the welcome address. Mohammad Kutty and Hasan Bayazid, representing groups from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, were the guests of honor. Faizal Abideen, member of the board of directors of the Yanbu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also presented a bouquet to the consul general.

Abideen, who is also chairman of Jeddah Cricket Association, lauded Kidwai's efforts to improve services at the consulate. He also invited all Indians to play cricket at JCA.

Kidwai also reached out to the community in the consulate’s bid to relocate. The present consulate building is very old and faces a severe waterlogging problem. “Whoever finds us a good building for the consulate will be the guest of honor in our next program,” he said.

Kidwai said he was happy to note that the community was vibrant and united and hoped it would contribute more for the welfare of the community.

He requested the community to help needy Indian children and promised that services in the consulate would be improved.