PIA repatriates over 27,000 Pakistanis to Saudi Arabia

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has repatriated more than 27,000 Pakistanis whose Iqama duration was about to expire on 30th September to Saudi Arabia.

According to the details, the spokesperson of the national carrier said that PIA had flown more than 27,000 Pakistanis to Saudi Arabia. From September 15 to 28, some 27,500 passengers were flown to Saudi Arabia through 91 flights.

The spokesman said most of the passengers' Iqama was due to expire on September 30. According to the spokesperson, complaints were received from the passengers that the agents were selling tickets at exorbitant prices. The passengers complained that due to the rush, the fare had reached Rs 121,000.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lifted restrictions on travel to and from Saudi Arabia for all those Pakistani travelers who possess valid visas including Exit / Entry, Residence (Iqama), and Visit.

However, travel is subject to a negative PCR test, which needs to be conducted not later than 48 hours before arriving in Saudi Arabia. The Foreign Office in a statement said that there is no Pakistan specific restriction on travel.

Due to the limited number of PIA flights, most of the Pakistani nationals were facing difficulty to reach Saudi Arabia, who possessed valid visas for Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the matter was taken-up with Saudi Authorities and they have allowed operating 21 additional PIA flights (Jeddah 10, Madinah 6, and Dammam 5 flights) from 25-30 September 2020.