The Saudi General Aviation Authority (GACA) has issued new guidelines affecting Umrah travelers, specifically targeting those traveling on visas after 15th Shawwal.
According to the new instructions, pilgrims holding Umrah visas post-15th Shawwal will not be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia, a measure designed to streamline the annual pilgrimage process.
The directive, which came into effect immediately, mandates that airlines refrain from issuing boarding passes to such passengers. Violators of this regulation, including both passengers and airlines, will face legal action under Saudi laws. The new rules have led to confusion and frustration among travelers, with over 60 Umrah pilgrims currently stranded in Saudi Arabia.
Flight SV 700, which was scheduled to arrive in Karachi yesterday, became a point of contention. Boarding passes had already been issued for the passengers, but they were offloaded at the last moment due to the limited capacity of the plane.
Sources confirm that the affected travelers primarily belong to the Jafar Khan Leghari area of Sanghar, a region known for its strong ties to the Umrah pilgrimage.
Despite more than 24 hours having passed since the incident, arrangements have yet to be made to bring the stranded pilgrims back to Pakistan. The situation has escalated, with passengers expressing their dissatisfaction through protests. Among the stranded pilgrims are elderly women and children, adding to the urgency of the matter.
In response to the growing unrest, the passengers were temporarily relocated to a hotel, where they await further updates. Airport authorities have assured that an alternative flight will be arranged to bring the pilgrims back to Karachi. However, the delay and lack of communication have caused significant distress, with the pilgrims and their families seeking immediate resolution.
