Saudi government has not halted Umrah visas: Khalid

Saudi Hajj Ministry Has Not Stopped Umrah Visas for Bangladeshis: Dr. Khalid

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain clarified that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has not halted Umrah visas for Bangladeshi citizens.

Speaking at a press conference today, he stated that the Saudi ambassador in Dhaka has confirmed this to the Religious Affairs Secretary. The ambassador advised Bangladeshi agencies to coordinate with the Hajj and Umrah Ministry through authorized Saudi Umrah companies or agents, ensuring necessary documents such as flight tickets and hotel bookings are in place.

Addressing concerns regarding visa issuance, Dr. Khalid mentioned that as soon as reports emerged about visas not being issued for Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims, a diplomatic note (DO letter) was sent to the Saudi embassy in Dhaka, alongside verbal discussions, requesting the continuation of the visa process.

He further stated that the Bangladesh Hajj Counselor in Jeddah is maintaining continuous communication with relevant officials in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to facilitate travel for Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims who have already secured airline tickets, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Regarding ticket refunds, Dr. Khalid assured that Bangladesh Biman is refunding ticket fares for pilgrims unable to travel due to visa issues. Additionally, Saudi and other airlines have been requested to reimburse ticket costs for affected passengers.

Explaining the visa process, he highlighted that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has authorized over 400 Umrah companies to coordinate pilgrimage services globally. Each company is allocated a specific quota of Umrah pilgrims annually. Once a company’s quota is exhausted, visa issuance for the respective country under that company is temporarily halted.

He also mentioned that apart from Bangladeshi-approved Umrah agencies, individuals and organizations with registered IDs and passwords on Saudi Arabia's 'Nusuk' app can also manage Umrah arrangements.

Reassuring the public, Dr. Khalid emphasized, “We remain committed to overseeing all Hajj and Umrah-related matters to ensure that devout Muslims from Bangladesh do not face any difficulties in performing their religious obligations.”

The press conference was attended by Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Additional Secretary Haj Md Matiul Islam, HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar, General Secretary Farid Ahmed Majumder, the Adviser’s Private Secretary Sadek Ahmed, and senior ministry officials.