The Saudi government has reduced the rate of issuing Umrah visas for Bangladeshi pilgrims under a quota system introduced this month.
Earlier, the Saudi embassy in Dhaka approved almost all Umrah visa applications, but since 5 March, they have approved only about 8%-10%.
Farid Ahmed Mozumder, secretary general of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh, has confirmed the development.
There is apparently no reason behind the sudden drop in Umrah visa issuance, he claimed. He sought intervention by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Wednesday issued some guidelines for Hajj visa applicants, stating that under the age of 15 will not allowed to go on Hajj.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced this information in accordance with the instruction of the Saudi Government’s Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs.
Mamun Al Faruq, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry, states that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has set the minimum age limit for Hajj pilgrims at 15 years for 2025, considering the health and safety of children. This directive must be followed by registered pilgrims, agencies, banks, and all relevant parties in both government and private sectors.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
