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Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia cracks down on Hajj permit violations in Makkah
The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent people without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites. PHOTO: ARAB NEWS Listen to article Saudi authorities have arrested 22 individuals for attempting to transport unregistered pilgrims into Makkah, as part of intensified efforts to enforce Hajj regulations ahead of the annual pilgrimage, state media reported. According to the Saudi Press Agency, Hajj Security Forces detained six residents and 14 citizens at Makkah's entrances for transporting 99 people without valid Hajj permits. In a separate incident, two citizens were arrested for trying to bring 15 unregistered individuals into the holy city. The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its warning that violators and those facilitating unauthorized pilgrimages will face severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals (approximately $26,600), public naming, and—for expatriates—deportation and a 10-year re-entry ban following sentencing. Vehicles used in illegal transport are also subject to confiscation, and individuals caught attempting Hajj without a permit may be fined up to 20,000 riyals. The ministry urged the public to comply with all Hajj regulations to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, reminding that entry into Makkah without a valid permit is prohibited between 29 April and 10 June.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia calls recognition of Palestine a 'strategic necessity'
Manal Radwan of Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said a just solution to the Palestinian issue is essential for a new regional order founded on mutual recognition and coexistence. PHOTO: ARAB NEWS Saudi Arabia has called the recognition of a Palestinian state a 'strategic necessity,' arguing it is the essential first step toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. The remarks were delivered at a United Nations General Assembly meeting on Friday, ahead of a high-level peace conference next month. Manal Radwan, counsellor at the Saudi Foreign Ministry and co-chair of the upcoming conference, addressed delegates at the UN, stating that a just solution to the Palestinian issue is not only a moral and legal obligation but also 'the cornerstone of a new regional order based on mutual recognition and coexistence.' 'Regional peace begins with recognising the state of Palestine—not as a symbolic gesture, but as a strategic necessity,' Radwan said. 'It is the only way to eliminate the space exploited by non-state actors and replace despair with a political horizon grounded in rights and sovereignty, ensuring security and dignity for all.' The comments come as Saudi Arabia and France prepare to co-host an international conference aimed at accelerating the implementation of a two-state solution to resolve the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Support for the initiative has gained momentum in recent days as international concern mounts over the humanitarian toll of Israel's renewed military campaign in Gaza. Radwan described the situation as one of 'historic urgency,' with civilians enduring 'unimaginable suffering' in a war that 'must end immediately.' Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to deliver 'real, irreversible, and transformative change' and ensure a peaceful and just resolution to the Palestinian question. The upcoming conference, backed by a coalition of nations, is seen as one of the most significant diplomatic pushes in recent years to revive the long-stalled peace process.
Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Payoneer imposes 3% withdrawal fee on Pakistani users, raising concerns among freelancers
Third-party bank transfers, once partially free, now carry the same 3% flat fee regardless of currency. PHOTO: ARAB NEWS Listen to article Payoneer, the global financial services platform widely used by freelancers and digital professionals, has introduced a 3% withdrawal fee for users in Pakistan—prompting widespread concern among the country's burgeoning online workforce. The updated fee structure, which quietly came into effect this week, marks a significant shift in the cost of doing business for tens of thousands of Pakistani freelancers and small businesses who rely on the service for cross-border transactions. The move comes as Pakistan continues to expand its digital economy, with a growing number of individuals earning foreign income through remote and freelance work. Under the new pricing structure, withdrawals from Payoneer accounts to non-local currency bank accounts—such as USD, EUR, or GBP—are now subject to a flat 3% fee, representing a 50% hike from previous rates. Previously, certain transactions were either exempt or incurred lower charges. Third-party bank transfers, once partially free, now carry the same 3% flat fee regardless of currency. Internal transfers between Payoneer accounts are also affected: payments in USD, EUR, or GBP now incur a 0.60% fee for amounts exceeding 500 units, and a flat charge of 3.00 in the respective currency for smaller transfers. In a further blow, receiving payments is no longer free. Dollar transfers under $100 now come with a $1 charge, while those over $100 attract a 1% fee. Similar fee tiers have been applied across several currencies, including GBP, EUR, CAD, AED, and AUD. Although the company has retained its existing currency conversion charges, these new transaction fees are additional and applied separately. For many Pakistani freelancers—who often depend on each dollar earned abroad—the increase in service costs comes at a time of economic uncertainty and currency volatility. Online communities have expressed frustration over the lack of prior notification and transparency around the decision. Digital professionals are being urged to consult the 'Fees' section of their Payoneer account to assess how the new charges affect their specific transaction patterns. The updated fee structure applies to all Pakistani account holders, including individuals, sole proprietors, and registered firms. Payoneer has not yet issued a formal statement addressing the fee changes or the concerns raised by its user base in Pakistan.
