Umrah pilgrims charged thousands extra for vaccination in Karachi

Umrah pilgrims charged thousands extra for vaccination in Karachi

Karachi: Umrah pilgrims visiting NADRA facilitation centres in Karachi are reportedly being charged thousands of rupees above the official vaccination fees required for their Saudi Arabia travel documentation.

According to the available fee structure on the Pak ID app, the influenza vaccination costs Rs1,720, while the meningitis vaccination carries a fee of Rs2,785. The combined cost of both vaccines comes to Rs4,505.

However, pilgrims visiting several NADRA facilitation centres in Karachi have reportedly faced demands for Rs6,000 to Rs7,000 for the same vaccination services. The official service charge for the facilitation centres stands at Rs150, raising concerns over the additional amounts being collected from applicants.

Long queues of Umrah pilgrims have reportedly formed outside and inside several centres, with many applicants struggling to understand the digital procedure for obtaining vaccination services. The situation has created opportunities for middlemen and individuals allegedly charging extra amounts to assist pilgrims with the process.

Many Umrah pilgrims, particularly elderly applicants, lack access to modern smartphones or have limited knowledge of the Pak ID application. As a result, they often depend on others to complete the online process and pay the required fees.

Pilgrims have expressed concern over the alleged overcharging and called for greater transparency at NADRA facilitation centres. They have also urged the authorities to monitor the centres, display the official vaccination and service charges clearly, and take action against anyone collecting unauthorized fees from Umrah pilgrims.

The issue has raised questions about the accessibility of digital government services for people who are not familiar with smartphone applications. Pilgrims say authorities should ensure that the lack of technical knowledge does not become a reason for applicants to pay thousands of rupees more than the officially prescribed amount.