Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 2: Immediately after orders were issued lifting restrictions on direct travel from India to Saudi Arabia, there has been an impressive increase of people interested to book for this journey. Moreover, the people are benefitted as they can enter Saudi Arabia without having to spend huge amounts.

After coronavirus spread its grip all over the world, flights had been cancelled all over the world. India had introduced 'Vande Bharat' flights to bring back stranded Indians from various countries. Later, Saudi Arabia had imposed strictures on the entry of passengers belonging to six countries People working in Saudi Arabia, those joining for new jobs, those who are compelled to travel for various reasons, had to go to Maldives, Dubai, Bahrain and other countries, complete 14 days quarantine there and then travel to Saudi Arabia.

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A few travel agencies made a quick buck by misusing these rules. They had begun to offer fixed package amount to Rs 1.5 to two lac rupees. As people had to spend two lac rupees instead of normal ticket fare of around Rs 20,000, air travel had become a nightmare. They should have reached the airports five hours in advance, and pay Rs 3,000 again to get themselves tests. They would normally be exhausted by the time they visited another country, completed quarantine period there and then reach Saudi.

From December 1 onwards, Indians who have been vaccinated with both the doses, can directly travel to Saudi Arabia. They have to complete 14 days home quarantine in Saudi Arabia and then go anywhere or report for work. Travel agent Zakir says that ticket booking enquiries have begun for Saudi travel and Umrah travel. Munaf says that those employed in Saudi Arabia who have obtained both doses of the vaccine there and had visited hometown on holiday do not face the compulsory quarantine rule.