It may be noted here that around 15,000 iqama holders need to return to Saudi Arabia before the 72 hour deadline announced on Thursday for residents from 12 countries, including Pakistan, to return to the Kingdom. On the other hand, while both the airlines and government have failed to facilitate iqama holders and save their work permits, airline tickets have started being sold in black. Amjad said that most iqama holders work as labourers in Saudi Arabia and were in the country for vacations. Iqama holders who have been queuing outside airlines offices revealed that attention is paid to touts rather than to facilitate the public whereas their grievances have fallen on deaf ears despite complaints made to law enforcement agencies. “Our government has not taken a single step to facilitate the people who are trying to meet the deadline and if the Saudi government doesn’t extend the deadline, thousands of poor people will be deprived of their work permits,” he observed.

Source: Pakistan Today March 14, 2020 16:41 UTC