Umrah companies under scrutiny over non-banking funds transfer

Investigators have found out that millions of Saudi Riyals paid by the people to travel and Umrah companies in Pakistan were not transferred abroad through banking channels, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

Sources told 24News that the payment of Saudi currency was made through Hawala, Hundi and other illegal means, and that some of Lahore’s biggest companies were now under the scanner.  

Sources further said that investigations were deemed necessary when the amount transferred did not match with the number of people who applied for visas for the Umrah.

Similarly, they disclosed, investigations were also underway against some Umrah companies in Saudi Arabia.

These companies face the allegation of receiving visa fees through channels other than banking channels.

Reporter: Anusha Jaffery