REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Implemented in the current year, the new visa for umrah tariff has made umrah travel organizer restless. They are objected to the Saudi Arabia government policy. "It was implemented without proper socialization," President Director of PT Patuna Mekar Jaya (Patuna Travel) Syam Resfiadi said.
So far, the umrah travel organization had not receive any clear and firm guidelines about the new tariff. Therefore, they are not ready to follow the new regulation.
The Saudi's government implemented the changes directly into system. The umrah travel organizer had no time to learn it.
Sometimes, Syam added, the system was not accurate. "The first timer and those who ever been to the Holy Land will be marked differently, but it's still unclear," Syam said on Friday.
However, Umrah travel could not do anything but to accept the regulation. Meanwhile, perspective of other four associations of umrah organizers were divided. "There's nothing we can do, unless the the Indonesian government are willing to help to voice our objection to the Saudi's government," Syam remarked.
According to Syam, Indonesia might be able to persuade Saudi's government to postpone the implementation of new umrah visa tariff. More over, every year Indonesia sends about 700 thousands Umrah pilgrims.
Syam said this case was similar to the issue of e-Hajj. Saudi Arabia officials did not know the guidlines so officers and organizers of the Umrah travel has to learned together. "No wonder if the Indonesian officers confused since Saudi Arabia officials also did not know much about this," said Syam.
However, Syam affirmed his travel program will continue. Although he has expected there might be any pilgrims resign from program. "Unfortunately, they could not escape the new tariff scheme because the policy valid in all travel organizers."
He predicted the number of Umrah pilgrims will be 25-30 percent lower than before, especially in the low-middle segment. The increase in visa tariff is sensitive for the low-middle segment, although pilgrims in this segment are willing to struggle for the chance to go to the Holy Land.
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