"The Saudi government has advised Bangladeshi agency representatives to coordinate with Umrah agents in Saudi Arabia by providing travelers' hotel booking and flight ticket details," he said at a press conference at the Secretariat.
The adviser said that upon learning about the difficulties in obtaining Umrah visas for Bangladeshi pilgrims, the Religious Affairs Ministry immediately contacted the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka.
He said: "Initially, a verbal request was made to continue the visa issuance process. Later, on Thursday, the secretary of the Religious Affairs Ministry sent a DO (Demi Official) letter to the Saudi ambassador in Dhaka, requesting the continuation of visa issuance. Additionally, the secretary has been maintaining continuous contact with the Saudi ambassador via telephone and mobile communication.
Khalid mentioned that the Saudi ambassador is currently on leave in Saudi Arabia. "After being informed about the DO letter, he sent a response via an audio message confirming that the Umrah visa for Bangladeshis has not been suspended.
"He advised Bangladeshi Hajj/Umrah agency representatives to coordinate with Umrah agents or companies in Saudi Arabia, ensuring hotel bookings and airline ticket confirmations."
The adviser said that the Saudi ambassador also stated that if Saudi Umrah agents or companies communicate with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the ministry will facilitate visa issuance for Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims.
In reality, the Saudi ambassador has confirmed that there is no suspension of Umrah visas for Bangladeshis, he said.
He further noted that, according to the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), approximately 100,000 Bangladeshis perform Umrah every year during Ramadan.
"HAAB has informed that due to visa complications, nearly 20,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims are unable to travel for Umrah this Ramadan. Discussions have been held with Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Saudia Airlines regarding refunds for Umrah travelers' tickets," he added.
