RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The Saudi government has announced to implement the mandatory condition of biometric fingerprint verification for Umrah visa from December 2, 2017.

According to details, the Saudi government on November 1, 2017 declared the condition of biometric fingerprint verification mandatory for all Pakistanis aspiring to Umrah.

However, the said condition has created difficulties for Umrah pilgrims, who had to wait in long queues at offices of the designated company across the country.

The issue was discussed by the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) with the Consul General of Saudi Arabia at Karachi. Later, the circular was issued by the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Islamabad, announcing to postpone the implementation of biometric fingerprint verification for processing Umrah visa till December 1, 2017.

Talking to Business Recorder, Hanif Rinch General Secretary TAAP said that association during a meeting with the Consul General of Saudi Arabia at Karachi requested to postpone the implementation of mandatory condition of biometric fingerprint verification for Umrah visa for two months, which would not only facilitate the Umrah pilgrims, but also allow the designated company to extend its network in Pakistan.

He lauded the support of Saudi Ambassador and Consul General for kind consideration on TAAP request and gave approval to postpone the implementation of mandatory condition of biometric fingerprint verification for Umrah visa for four weeks (till December 1, 2017).

Replying to a question, he said that the Etimad, a company designated by Saudi government for visa purpose would charge Rs 600 for fingerprint verification from December 2, 2017 and after accomplishing said mandatory requirement, the Umrah visa application would be submitted to Saudi Embassy for visa issuance.