I recently had to cancel my umrah this year because I couldn’t obtain the necessary visa. While the embassy was very helpful, I was told that the issue seems to lie in the lack of the word ‘passport’ in my International Certificate of Identity (ICI).
While I have long resigned to the fact that there are countries that don’t recognise our status, I’d hoped that I could at least realise my dream of performing umrah – and ultimately, haj – with my wife and children.
Since the recent pandemic, a number of countries have changed their requirements for travellers, and that include allowing only passport holders through. Perhaps the authorities could make the necessary update to maintain travel freedom among citizens and permanent residents?
I’m sure there are quite a number of us in the same dilemma, and as such, I would like to call on the authorities to assist us in the matter, so when the time comes, I’ll be able to fulfil my religious obligation in the holy land.
Aspiring Pilgrim
