MAKKAH, 15 March 2004 — A black market for passport fee coupons exists right in front of the Passports Department. People take advantage of the crowds in the department itself and the bank where the coupons are sold in order to sell passport coupons outside.
The Passports Department has so far taken no action against the sellers, who often increase the price of the coupon over the bank’s price. The extra amount ranges from SR10 to SR100 and depends on the type of document to be processed and how crowded the passport office is.
A number of Saudi citizens expressed resentment about this black market. They demanded officials take action and that the authorities also provide passport coupons in front of the Passports Department so that members of the public would not have to turn to the black market.
“I came here to renew my passport and the place was crowded with people trying to renew passports and iqamas. People selling coupons were walking openly about, shouting that passport coupons as well as exit and entry visa coupons were available. They bargain with the customer, and because there are so many people and the place is so crowded, it is easier to go to the sellers and pay SR100 and get things done,” said citizen Ahmad Al-Mehmadi.
“After waiting more than three hours in line, I bought a coupon. We should have more branches selling the coupons instead of having to buy them from unauthorized individuals. If the government is unable to open more branches, it should at least allow passport officials to sell coupons to the public,” he added.
Abdullah Al-Kurashi, a businessman, said, “The Passports Department forces us to deal with these unauthorized individuals. They indirectly support them and give them jobs. The department’s deadline for accepting documents is 11 a.m. and if people have to wait in long lines, we only waste our time. That is why we turn to these people and buy the coupons at high prices.”
The manager of a branch of Riyad Bank in Makkah, Talal Subyani, said that the bank had no connection with the illegal businessmen. He explained that the individuals come early in the morning and buy large numbers of coupons which they then sell. The bank has reported the matter to the passport office but no action has been taken.
