Overstaying Zimbos spark temporary ban of locals from Saudi Arabia entry
Saudi Arabia – SAUDI ARABIA has temporarily banned Zimbabweans from travelling to the country pending investigationson on a matter involving a group of Zimbabweans who allegedly overstayed after been duped by bogus travel agents.
The ban is until further notice.
In a statement issued by Saudi authorities Tuesday, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the issuing of visas to Zimbabweans was temporarily suspended.
“Saudi Arabia has unfortunately suspended the issuing of Umrah Visas for Zimbabwe Passport Holders due to certain individuals having breached Visa regulations by overstaying in Saudi Arabia.
“These individuals were NOT clients of the ZIMHUC approved Travel Agent in Zimbabwe,” read part of the statement.
It further reads that issuing of Umrah Visas had recently been decentralised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia, allowing Umrah Visas to be issued for Zimbabweans by virtual agents in other countries.
It is against this development that virtual agents in other countries issuing Umrah Visas for Zimbabweans resulting in a loophole of been duped.
“Effectively due to the decentralisation policy, Umrah Visa and related matters for Zimbabweans is no longer solely under the control of ZIMHUC and our approved Travel Agent in Zimbabwe.
“Zimbabwe remains suspended whilst investigations take place, with the possibility of additional requirements and guarantees becoming applicable.
“We will make sure that this matter is resolved urgently for the benefit of those who have already made Umrah bookings,” read the statement.
This comes hot on the heels of another major blow received by Zimbabwean care workers in the United Kingdom this week.
In an announcement Monday, UK home secretary James Cleverly said he was3 taking “robust action” to lower authorized immigration, which hit a record level of almost 750,000 people in 2022.
Under the new rules, the UK government said it would ban health and care workers bringing family dependants to the UK, end companies being able to pay workers 20% less than the going rate for jobs on a shortage occupation list and ncrease the annual charge foreign workers pay to use the NHS from £624 to £1,035 among other conditions.
Critics said the move would leave overstretched sectors like health and social care at a breaking point with most Zimbabweans flocking to the UK and cover the skills gap in the country’s health care sector.
