Coronavirus Pandemic: Saudi Arabia has given 72-hour deadline for iqama holders to return

Saudi Arabia announced a 72-hour deadline for iqama holders (residents) from 12 countries, including Pakistan, to return to the Kingdom, on Thursday, which led to panic ensued amongst travelers.

In this regard, a hotline has been established at embassies and consulates by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in a notification sent to all air carriers operating from and to the airports of Saudi Arabia stated, “A time limit of (72) hours is given to the citizen of the Kingdom and current residents holding valid Iqama to return to the Kingdom.”

Following the directives of Saudi Arabian government, the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has announced to initially operate three special flights to bring back all Umrah pilgrims to the country

As being reported, the PIA administration has completed special arrangements for the return of iqama holders in Pakistanis and the repatriation of the pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.

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According to PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan, PIA will initially operate three special flights to Saudi Arabia.

As being reported, the first flight, PK-763/764, will be operated from Islamabad to Jeddah on Sunday while the second flight, PK-718/717, will take off from Karachi to Madinah on Saturday and third flight, PK-767/768, from Karachi to Jeddah on the same day.