Religious Ministry requests Bangladeshis not to perform Hajj without permit

The Ministry of Religious Affairs in a statement today requested Bangladeshis staying in Saudi Arabia not to perform Hajj without Hajj permit. 

The ministry has made the request for Bangladeshis staying in Saudi Arabia for ensuring smooth and better Hajj management and for the welfare of the pilgrims and maintaining the existing friendly relations between the two countries.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain has also requested Bangladeshi citizens to refrain from performing unauthorized Hajj.

The Ministry has also asked Bangladeshis not to stay in Mecca or the holy places of Saudi Arabia on visit visas during the current Hajj season.

In addition, Bangladeshis have also been requested to refrain from sponsoring, transporting, assisting in entering reserved Hajj areas and arranging accommodation for them in hotels or houses for visit visa holders who violate Hajj regulations.

The statement said that this year, the Saudi government has issued new regulations to facilitate the entry of pilgrims to Mecca, control excessive crowd and strengthen security. 

According to these regulations, entry to Mecca is only possible with a valid permit from the relevant authorities to work in the holy places of Saudi Arabia, a certificate of registered residence in Mecca (Iqamah) and a government-issued Hajj permit.

Announcing a strict stance during the upcoming Hajj season, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior has said that anyone who attempts to perform Hajj without a Hajj permit will have to pay a maximum fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals.

Even if someone assists, there is a provision of a fine of up to 100,000 Riyals.

Not only the fine, but if the crime is proven, the personal vehicle of such an assistant will also be confiscated according to the court ruling. 

The Saudi government has also said that if a foreign national stays beyond the specified time or tries to perform Hajj without a valid permit, he will be expelled from the country and will not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia for the next 10 years.

This provision will be effective from the 1st of the month of Zilqad (29 April) to the 14th of the month of Zilhaj (10 June). 

During this period, no one will be able to enter or stay in the holy city of Mecca or the surrounding holy places without Hajj permission. 

Especially those who have entered Saudi Arabia with a visit visa will be monitored at the highest level.

Highlighting the importance of strict implementation of laws and regulations in the smooth management of Hajj, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain said that it is necessary to follow the laws and regulations announced by the Saudi government for the smooth and orderly management of Hajj.

He said that Bangladesh has various issues related to its interests with Saudi Arabia. 

About 3.5 million Bangladeshis are working in Saudi Arabia. The highest remittance comes from this country, he continued.

"It is necessary to refrain from such acts as they have a negative impact on the existing relations between the two countries," the statement said. 

The government is committed to playing a role in smooth and smooth Hajj management in the larger interest of the Muslim Ummah, he said.