Philippines suspends issuance of Haj passports to Muslim pilgrims

The immigration authorities of Philippine had detained at least 177 Indonesian nationals, on August 19 last, who attempted to leave the country allegedly using the Haj passports. The Filipino escorts who apparently facilitated the issuance of such passports were also detained by the immigration authorities. Initial investigation showed the Indonesians paid a sum of 6,000 to 10,000 dollars each to obtain the illegal travel documents

Arnima Dwivedi
Published on: 30 Aug 2016 7:40 AM GMT
Philippines suspends issuance of Haj passports to Muslim pilgrims
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Manila: The Philippines has suspended issuing of Haj passports to Muslim pilgrims after detention of at least 177 Indonesians with fake documents. These people with the fake documents were using Manila as a transit to Saudi Arabia, stated Foreign Secretary, Perfecto Yasay.

The foreign secretary, on Tuesday, said that the issuance of Haj passports has become source of corruption in the foreign department. “This has really been the source of these fraudulent transactions and corruption,” he stated.

The government has considered taking this step of suspension for good, said Yasay.

Also Read: School has right to forbid student from wearing niqab: German court

The case:

  • The haj passports are a special travel document issued to the Muslim pilgrims to visit Mecca.
  • The immigration authorities of Philippine had detained at least 177 Indonesian nationals, on August 19 last, who attempted to leave the country allegedly using the Haj passports. The Filipino escorts who apparently facilitated the issuance of such passports were also detained by the immigration authorities.
  • Initial investigation showed the Indonesians paid a sum of 6,000 to 10,000 dollars each to obtain the illegal travel documents.

You may also read: UP CM Akhilesh Yadav flags off the first batch of Haj pilgrims

Arnima Dwivedi

Arnima Dwivedi

A journalist, presently working as a sub-editor with newstrack.com. I love exploring new genres of humans and humanity.

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