Umrah pilgrims visiting NADRA facilitation centres in Karachi are reportedly being charged thousands of rupees above the official vaccination fees required for Saudi Arabia travel documentation.
According to the available fee structure on the Pak ID app, the influenza vaccination costs Rs1,720, while the meningitis vaccination is listed at Rs2,785. The combined official cost of the two vaccinations is therefore Rs4,505.
However, pilgrims visiting several NADRA facilitation centres in Karachi have reportedly been asked to pay between Rs6,000 and Rs7,000 for the same vaccination services. The facilitation centres also have an official service charge of Rs150, raising concerns about additional amounts allegedly being collected from applicants.
Long queues of Umrah pilgrims have reportedly formed at several centres, with many applicants facing difficulties understanding the digital procedure required to obtain vaccination services.
The process has reportedly created opportunities for middlemen and other individuals who assist pilgrims with the digital application in exchange for additional payments. Elderly pilgrims and those without modern smartphones or sufficient knowledge of the Pak ID application are particularly dependent on others to complete the online process.
Pilgrims have expressed concern over the alleged overcharging and called for greater transparency at NADRA facilitation centres. They have urged authorities to clearly display the official vaccination and service charges and monitor the centres to prevent unauthorised collections.
The situation has also highlighted concerns about the accessibility of digital government services for people who are unfamiliar with smartphone applications. Pilgrims say applicants should be provided with clear guidance and proper assistance so that a lack of technical knowledge does not result in them paying significantly more than the prescribed fees.
Authorities have yet to provide further details regarding the reported additional charges.
