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Haj operators warned against non-resident expatriates

ABU DHABI — The Director-General of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Auqaf (GAIAA), Dr Mohammed Mattar Al Ka’abi, has warned tour operators all over the country against taking non-resident expatriates to Saudi Arabia to perform Haj after bringing them into the country on transit visa.

By Adel Arafah

Published: Mon 1 Oct 2007, 8:42 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 4:41 AM

Dr Al Ka’abi said, “This kind of fraud by tourism agencies will be dealt with severely as the GAIAA will slap hefty fines on violators, who will also have to bear the cost of any damage caused by this illegal act.”

He said offenders will be referred to Public Prosecution for further action.

He reminded the tour operators that residency is a prerequisite for performing Haj from UAE.

“We will not allow the repetition of the incident that took place last year where scores of pilgrims from Kyrgyzstan entered the country on transit visas arranged by a travel agency and many of them had died on their return journey to home,” he pointed out.

Adel Arafah

Published: Mon 1 Oct 2007, 8:42 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 4:41 AM

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