Football fans, looking forward to the main sports event for the year, have expressed their concerns over visa applications to Qatar, where the World Cup will be held.
According to Daily Mail, hundreds of applicants have their visa application status set to ‘pending,’ which has left these people concerned about whether the issue will be fixed in time to make it before or on the tournament’s start date, scheduled for November 20, VisaGuide.World reports.
Applicants must hold a Hayya card, which serves as an ID and fan pass, which ensures holders entry to Qatar, as well as Saudi Arabia.
Media outlets for sports have received several complaints from fans regarding the matter. It is estimated there are over 400 people experiencing similar issues with their applications.
“The operator will tell me that there is a data error on the application, when I ask them why they tell me that they are not sure as all of the information I have input correctly matches the information that is on my uploaded passport,” a supporter of England, whose accommodation and travelling costs for the grand event reached £2,630, told Sportsmail.
He also said that he has been contacting authorities regarding the issue for a month, who always say the same thing – the technical team is working on it but the issue hasn’t been resolved.
He also noted that his accommodation expenses cannot be refunded unless his visa gets formally rejected; by remaining ‘pending’ a large share of his money will go up in smoke.
On the other hand, a spokesperson from Qatar’s Supreme Committee states that the process is “running smoothly and the response time from application to approval is 72 hours.” However, he did admit that this is not the case for many applicants.
Previously, VisaGuide.World reported that Saudi Arabia has allowed all holders of the Hayya Card, could also enter the country, opening the joint border with Qatar and operating nearly 60 flights daily.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia will also allow entry for a “Hayya 3+1” permit – through which all Hayya holders will be able to bring another three companions, who must also be Hayya card holders. Visa for visiting Saudi Arabia will be valid for 60 days, with the earliest dates for permitted stays being ten days prior to the tournament.
According to Nasser Al Khater, the CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, this tournament is anticipated to bring the Qatari economy nearly $17 billion.
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