The Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Baghdad has successfully retrieved the detained travel documents of 140 Bahraini citizens after joint efforts with the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. This came after complaints were received regarding a hotel in Karbala City detaining the passports of the citizens due to the owner of the travel agency failing to pay for the hotel’s management and disappearing suddenly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has urged Bahraini citizens to verify the licenses of travel agencies before making reservations and payments to avoid risks during travel, especially after repeated cases of fake bookings. MoFA also stresses the importance of individuals being aware of legal actions against travel agency owners and fake or unlicensed travel agencies through official channels in Bahrain.
The initiative to retrieve the detained travel documents came after the Embassy of Bahrain in Baghdad received complaints from Bahraini citizens visiting Karbala City. The passports were being held by a hotel due to the owner of the travel agency failing to pay for the accommodations and disappearing. The embassy, through its Consular and Administrative Affairs and the Consular Services Sector, initiated contact with the Iraqi Ministry of Interior to resolve the issue and retrieve the documents. After joint efforts, the documents were successfully retrieved, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Bahraini citizens abroad.
In response to the incident, MoFA has urged Bahraini citizens to be cautious when dealing with travel agencies, especially when making reservations and payments. It is essential to verify the licenses of travel agencies by the laws in force in Bahrain to avoid fake bookings and potential risks during travel. The ministry emphasizes the need for individuals to stay informed about legal actions against travel agency owners and fake or unlicensed agencies, and to report any suspicious activities through official channels. Consular services and diplomatic missions of Bahrain are fully prepared to assist citizens in such cases and provide necessary support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Consular and Administrative Affairs, highlights the significance of individuals being aware of legal actions against travel agency owners and fake or unlicensed agencies. It is essential for travelers to verify the credibility of travel agencies before making any reservations or payments to prevent falling victim to fake bookings and potential risks while traveling. MoFA encourages Bahraini citizens to report any suspicious activities related to travel agencies through official channels and competent government agencies in Bahrain to ensure the safety and security of travelers.
The Embassy of Bahrain in Baghdad has emphasized the importance of verifying the licenses of travel agencies and ensuring the credibility of bookings made by travelers. By staying informed about legal actions against travel agency owners and reporting any suspicious activities, Bahraini citizens can protect themselves from potential risks and ensure a safe travel experience. The embassy, along with MoFA, is committed to assisting citizens in such cases and ensuring that proper measures are taken to address any issues related to travel agencies and the safety of travelers abroad.
In conclusion, the incident of detained travel documents in Karbala City serves as a reminder for Bahraini citizens to be cautious when dealing with travel agencies and to verify the licenses of agencies before making reservations and payments. MoFA urges travelers to stay informed about legal actions against fake or unlicensed agencies and report any suspicious activities through official channels. By taking these precautions, Bahraini citizens can ensure their safety and security while traveling and avoid potential risks associated with fake bookings and unlicensed travel agencies. The embassy and consular services of Bahrain are fully prepared to assist citizens in such cases and uphold the safety and well-being of travelers abroad.
