Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday expressed concern over the Jammu and Kashmir pilgrims currently stranded in Saudi Arabia after undertaking Umrah, stating that the J&K government is in active coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate their safe and early return.
The chief minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking all necessary measures in coordination with the concerned authorities to ensure the safe and expeditious return of the stranded pilgrims, an official press release said.
It said he also assured the pilgrims and their families that the government stands firmly with them and will continue to extend all possible support to facilitate their return home at the earliest.
Talking with the media here about the stranded pilgrims, the chief minister said, “This is an issue, a serious concern, and it is not just our pilgrims who are stranded. People from various states across the country are stranded in Saudi Arabia due to flight cancellations.
“It is not that flights are not operating at all, but the problem now is that airfares have skyrocketed. People who booked on budget airlines and are stuck there are finding it difficult to purchase new tickets at these inflated rates,” he said.
Abdullah said his government would approach the Ministry of External Affairs to find a solution and arrange funds from its own budget if the Centre could not provide financial assistance for tickets or repatriation.
India issues fresh advisory for its nationals, Umrah pilgrims, stranded in Saudi Arabia
India on Saturday issued a fresh advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia, particularly Umrah pilgrims, affected by ongoing flight cancellations and is coordinating with the Gulf Kingdom’s authorities to facilitate their early return.
The advisory comes amid escalating tensions in the region due to a series of drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure by Yemen’s Houthis.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah said its 24×7 Control Rooms in Jeddah and Makkah continued to provide necessary assistance to affected Indians, with support from community associations and volunteers.
The assistance includes food, essential medicines and other immediate requirements wherever needed and feasible, it said.
The mission also said it remained in regular contact with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address difficulties caused by the flight disruptions, particularly issues concerning visa validity and delayed departures.
Umrah pilgrims facing difficulties related to accommodation or other services during their extended stay have been advised to contact the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Pilgrim Care Centre at 1966 to register their concerns and obtain a case reference number.
They have also been asked to remain in contact with their respective Umrah service providers for necessary assistance.
The consulate said it was in regular contact with Indian airlines over flight cancellations and passenger concerns, including difficulties in obtaining refunds.
To help arrange alternative travel, the mission has been connecting Indian Umrah tour operators with airlines that continue to operate services to India.
Such arrangements would be subject to seat availability, applicable fares and other requirements of the airlines concerned, it said.
Individuals affected by the disruptions should stay in constant contact with their airlines, travel agents, or Umrah operators to manage cancellations, rebookings, refunds, and alternative travel plans.
“The Consulate continues to coordinate with the concerned authorities, airlines and other stakeholders to facilitate the early return of affected Indian nationals,” the advisory said.
