Haj pilgrims denied visa may get money back

Malappuram: Thirty-five pilgrims who lost the chance to fly Saudi Arabia for this year’s Haj due to last minute glitches in the visa processing may get their money back soon. They had paid Rs 3.7 lakh each to an agent based in Kottakkal in the district and was scheduled to fly on Tuesday from Cochin International Airport. The pilgrims from various parts of the state had been taken to the airport but accommodated in a lodge in Angamaly after learning that their travel documents have got stuck with technical issues at the Saudi embassy.

They were later returned to Kottakkal and sought money back from the travel agent. The pilgrims, who prefer not to be identified, are not sure of getting their money back as they promised.  The travel group says they had paid fees for visa stamping and processing from it. All the travel documents including their passports are still with the agent.