The Hajj pilgrimage, which is known as one of the most important pilgrimages for all Muslims across the globe, began this Monday. The meaning of Hajj is “pilgrimage to Kabba” and draws people from across the globe to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. But almost 150 UAE residents were left heartbroken as their dreams got shattered by a Sharjah-based travel agency. Here is what exactly happened.
Hajj Pilgrimage Gets Cancelled For 150 UAE Residents
About 150 UAE residents, better termed as Hajj hopefuls, feel heartbroken as their dream of this pilgrimage gets shattered. This happened after they placed their hard earned money and trust in the hands of a Sharjah-based travel agency-Baitul Ateeq.
The holy and highly-anticipated Hajj pilgrimage began on Monday and these residents were hopeful to embark on the same soon. But Baitul Ateeq left them devastated and heartbroken as they failed to fulfil the said commitments.
Some were asked to pay more money after the said amount was paid because of visa issues. Many pilgrims were stranded at the medical centres while the authorities questioned the authenticity of their promised pilgrimage. People had actually invested their time, money, and faith in the agency, only to face disappointment later.
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Regret Expressed And Refund Promised In Response
The tour company claimed that they received visas for the manager of Hajj volunteers rather than the anticipated Hajj Nusuk visa. The tourists weren’t prepared for it. The Saudi Authorities changed the itinerary of the Nusuk Visa, which is offered as an electronic visa to people of all nations.
They were instructed that these visas had to be acquired as part of a $10,000 package that also included lodging, food, and other perks. They had made individual reservations for their clients’ lodging and catering, so this presented considerable difficulty for them.
The travel agency has expressed its regret and also promised to pay a refund to all the travellers. The hopeful UAE residents were not satisfied, as their demands for refunds were unheard after shattering their dreams.
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