Srinagar, Apr 14: National Conference patron and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has expressed deep concern over Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to temporarily suspend the issuance of short-term visas to citizens of 14 countries, including India.
Addressing reporters, Farooq Abdullah appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene at the diplomatic level. “I appeal to the Prime Minister to speak with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and urge them to not reduce our quota of Hajj pilgrims. There is also the question of jobs here,” Abdullah said.
The veteran leader also said he would urge Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to formally write to the Prime Minister, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard the interests of Indian pilgrims and workers.
Saudi Arabia has implemented a temporary suspension on new short-term visas, including business visit visas (single and multiple entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas. The measure is aimed at streamlining travel procedures ahead of the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
Besides India, other countries impacted by the suspension include Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, and Libya.
Farooq Abdullah emphasized that the Saudi move could impact thousands of Indians including devotees from Jammu Kashmir planning to undertake the pilgrimage and those seeking employment or family visits, and called for swift diplomatic engagement to resolve the matter. [KNT]
