Hyderabad, India - Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia have been warned not to carry religious scriptures, photographs or idols.
An official statement issued here Wednesday said that religious activities in private residences or undertaking missionary or preaching activities are banned in Saudi Arabia and could invite stringent punishment.
C.R. Banswal, principal secretary (political) to the Andhra Pradesh government, said the Indian ambassador in Riyadh had said that detention cases of Indian nationals on allegations of involvement in religious activities in that country were increasing.
The statement said the Saudi religious police recently arrested nine Indians for preaching Christianity.
"He (the ambassador) has therefore expressed the view that it is urgent and important that all Indian nationals be forewarned prior to their departure from India against carrying any religious scripture, photographs or idols with them to Saudi Arabia," said the statement.
The ambassador said the Indian nationals should also be strictly briefed against organising group religious activities in private residences or undertaking missionary or preaching activity.
"This would be a major preventive measure in promoting the welfare of the Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia," the statement added.