Saudi govt hasn't stopped Umrah visas: Adviser Khalid

The Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry has not stopped Umrah visas for Bangladeshi citizens, Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain said today (18 March).

The Saudi ambassador in Dhaka has confirmed this to the Religious Affairs secretary, he said while speaking at a press conference at his ministry.

The ambassador has advised Bangladeshi agencies to contact the Hajj and Umrah Ministry through Saudi Umrah companies or agents along with flight tickets and hotel booking documents, he added.

Referring to Saudi visa issues, he said immediately after being informed that visas were not being issued to Umrah passengers from Bangladesh.

Apart from a verbal request, a DO letter was sent to the ambassador of the Saudi embassy in Dhaka regarding the continuation of the visa issuance process, he added.

The adviser said the Bangladesh Hajj counselor in Jeddah has continued to communicate with the relevant officials of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia so that Umrah pilgrims who have collected airline tickets can go and perform Umrah during the month of Ramadan.

Regarding the refund of ticket money to Umrah pilgrims, he said if an Umrah pilgrim who has collected tickets cannot go to Saudi Arabia due to not getting a visa, Bangladesh Biman is refunding the money as per the rules.

Saudi and other airlines have also been requested to refund the ticket money to passengers who are unable to perform Umrah due to visa complications, the adviser mentioned.

Khalid said the Saudi government's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has entrusted more than four hundred Saudi Umrah companies with the responsibility of managing Umrah activities through coordination with agencies from different countries.

A quota of Umrah pilgrims is set every year in favour of these companies. Once this quota is exhausted, the visa issuance process of the country associated with that company is stopped, the adviser mentioned.

In addition to the Umrah agencies approved in Bangladesh, individuals and organizations that have received the ID and password of the Saudi Arabia's 'Nusuk app' can manage Umrah activities.

Assuring the countrymen, the adviser said, "We are always active in the overall affairs of the Ministry of Religion, including Hajj and Umra . . .  and are working to serve the countrymen. We are trying to ensure that the devout Muslims of this country do not face any complications or crises in performing Hajj and Umrah.

Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Additional Secretary Haj Md Matiul Islam, HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar and General Secretary Farid Ahmed Majumder, Adviser's Private Secretary Sadek Ahmed and senior officials of the ministry were present there.