Pakistan mission swings into action to help stranded Umrah pilgrims
15 Mar 2020
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Taking cognizance of the difficulties faced by Umrah visitors following the suspension of international flights by Saudi Arabia on Sunday over coronavirus fears, the Pakistani diplomatic mission in the Kingdom has swung into action to help the stranded Pakistanis, the Embassy of Pakistan said in a press release.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are in regular contact with the relevant authorities, particularly, Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and Pakistan International Airlines to facilitate the safe and early return of the Umrah pilgrims to their country.
The Pakistani mission has also constituted a three-member committee comprising senior officers for the guidance of the Umrah pilgrims as well as Iqama holders who are on leave in Pakistan and waiting for their return to the Kingdom. The committee is working extensively to provide necessary information to Pakistani nationals.
Apart from this, due to continuous efforts of the Government of Pakistan, the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation has allowed Pakistan International Airlines to continue its operations from Jeddah and Madinah for the next two weeks starting from Monday (March 16). However, the PIA would only be allowed to bring empty flights to take the Umrah pilgrims back to Pakistan.
The GACA has, however, asked the PIA to refrain from carrying Pakistanis holding valid Iqama as they may not be allowed to return to the Kingdom within next two weeks.
In addition to the establishment of facilitation desks at the Jeddah and Madinah airports by the Pakistani mission, the local immigration authorities have also been requested to facilitate the Umrah pilgrims whose visas have expired due to non-availability of flights.
As of today, there are approximately 15,000 Umrah pilgrims present in the Kingdom. Necessary arrangements are being made for their early return to Pakistan.