After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that the proposals and suggestions, put forth by the committee, might formulate the agenda items for further discussion in a meeting to be convened in the first week of January.
The Chairman of the committee highlighted the circumstances in which the Umra arrangements were assigned to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
He expressed his deprecation on the performance of principal agents, appointed by the Saudi government, and the operators working in Pakistan.
The meeting was informed that Egypt and Syria had not accepted the mechanism/policy of the Saudi government.
The committee chairman expected that Pakistan might also seek exemption if "we could develop a foolproof viable mechanism and satisfy the Saudi government."
He explained that Umra venture might be taken on business lines, but the registration of tour operators on sectarian lines was not at all acceptable.
AFTER DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE MATTER, HE INVITED THE ATTENTION OF THE MEMBERS TO THE FOLLOWING ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION AND FORMULATION OF FEASIBLE AND CONCRETE SUGGESTIONS:
-- Whether there should be a combined list of Haj tour operators and Umra tour operators and a mechanism devised to register both of them or the Umra registration process be introduced separately?
-- Whether registration be restricted to the IATA or be left open to all new entrants also.
-- We should devise a mechanism to lay down parameters to invite people to seek registration of combined Haj/Umra operators.
THE COMMITTEE, AFTER THOROUGH DELIBERATIONS, FORMULATED THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AND DECISION AT THE NEXT MEET IN JANUARY:
-- Seeking exemption from the Saudi policy on Umra.
-- Combined registration of both the Haj and Umra operators or exclusive registration of Umra operators.
-- Registration restricted to the IATA or general tour operators.
-- Determining the status of tour operators, Umra operation through a registered company with proper infrastructure, establishment and sound financial background, offer of attractive Umra package.
-- Amendment to the law to the Travel Agencies Act, 1976 to provide for Umra operation.
-- Introduction and issuance of Umra passports like the Haj passport.
-- Starting Umra operation from Rabi-ul-Awwal to 15th of Shaaban and co-ordination with the Saudi Embassy for issuance of Umra visas per month to facilitate capacity planning by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
-- Giving representation in the committee to the interior division, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Tourism Division and the Law and Justice Division of Pakistan.
-- Provision and distribution of Saudi Umra policy for guidance of the committee in formulating its Umra policy.
-- Selection of 20-25 principal Umra tour operators with their sub-agents in the country.
-- Holding next meeting of the committee in the first week of January.