Asia Press Agency

Tag: Umrah

  • Saudia Launches Hajj & Umrah Platform in the America and Canada

    Saudia Launches Hajj & Umrah Platform in the America and Canada

    Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, announced the launch of its dedicated Umrah website in the American and Canadian markets during the World Travel Market in London. This strategic expansion marks an important milestone for Saudia Umrah, a sub platform of Saudia, as it seeks to provide exceptional and hassle-free Umrah experiences to Muslim pilgrims residing in the United States and Canada.

     

    The Saudia Umrah website simplifies the process of planning and booking Umrah packages, making the pilgrimage more convenient and accessible for individuals and families in North America. The user-friendly interface and intuitive design of the website will enable users to explore a wide range of tailored Umrah packages, select their preferred travel dates, and make secure online bookings at their convenience.

     

    “We are proud to use the globally significant platform of World Travel Market to announce the extension of our services to the United States and Canada,” said Mr. Amer Alkhushail, Chief Hajj and Umrah Officer of Saudia. “Alongside our partner companies in Saudia, we are dedicated to providing our North American customers with the highest standards of service and convenience. The launch of our dedicated Hajj & Umrah website brings our specialist expertise in delivering seamless travel arrangements for Umrah to customers in North America for the first time, making that sacred journey more accessible for pilgrims.”

     

    The online platform offers comprehensive information on Umrah rituals, visa requirements, accommodation options, transportation, and other essential details to assist pilgrims in planning their journey. It provides unrivalled personalized guest support throughout the booking process and during the pilgrimage, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for every guest.

     

    The expansion into the North American markets aligns with Saudia Hajj & Umrahs mission to become a global leader in Umrah travel services and supports Saudias wider strategic goal of helping to deliver the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 ambition to carry 30 million pilgrims. By leveraging its expertise in the industry, the company aims to foster stronger connections with the Muslim community in the United States and Canada, establishing Saudia Umrah platform as the preferred choice for pilgrims seeking a reliable and trustworthy partner for their spiritual journey.

     

    Saudia operates 17 weekly flights from the Kingdom to the United States of America with a capacity of approximately 5,000 seats, while it operates 3 weekly flights from the Kingdom to Canada with a capacity of 894 seats, and seeks to strengthen the relationship with the Islamic communities in the North American continent in which makes it the ideal choice for them as air carrier.

     

    To learn more about the services offered by Saudia Hajj & Umrah and to book your Umrah packages, please visit the newly launched website at USA: www.umrahbysaudia.us Canada: www.umrahbysaudia.ca.

  • Saudi Arabia: Pakistani Beggars Disguised as Pilgrims Arrested

    Saudi Arabia: Pakistani Beggars Disguised as Pilgrims Arrested

    Sixteen individuals, including one child, 11 women, and four men, were arrested and offloaded from a Saudi Arabia-bound flight in Pakistan’s Multan area of Punjab province after they confessed to their intention to seek alms in Saudi Arabia. The group had obtained Umrah visas, which are typically used for Islamic pilgrimages to Mecca, but they had disguised themselves as pilgrims while planning to engage in begging activities in Saudi Arabia.

     

    The incident occurred two days ago when immigration authorities questioned the group during their pre-flight procedures. The group openly admitted their purpose was to engage in begging once they arrived in Saudi Arabia.

     

    According to local media reports, the individuals also revealed that a portion of their earnings from begging would be given to the agents responsible for arranging their travel to Saudi Arabia. It was their plan to return to Pakistan once their Umrah visas expired.

     

    Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike the Hajj, which has specific dates in the Islamic calendar.

     

    The group was subsequently deplaned and detained by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Multan circle for further investigation and legal action.

     

    These arrests come shortly after officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development informed the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that a significant number of beggars from Pakistan are trafficked abroad through illegal channels. According to the ministry, a startling 90% of beggars apprehended in foreign countries are of Pakistani origin.

     

    Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Zeeshan Khanzada stated that many Pakistani beggars travel to the Middle East under the pretext of pilgrimage, particularly on Umrah visas, and then engage in begging-related activities once abroad. This revelation sheds light on the role of human trafficking networks in facilitating the movement of individuals for the purpose of begging in foreign countries.

     

    Begging-related activities have been a concern in various parts of the world, and governments and law enforcement agencies are taking measures to combat the issue. In many cases, individuals are exploited and forced into begging by human trafficking networks, and they often face harsh living conditions and exploitation while abroad.

     

    The arrests of the 16 individuals in Pakistan underscore the need for increased vigilance and enforcement to curb human trafficking and begging-related activities, particularly in the context of religious pilgrimages. Authorities in both Pakistan and other countries are working to address these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals who may fall victim to such exploitation.