The government of Saudi Arabia will try to reduce the cost of Hajj if possible, from the next year, said Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah.
He came up with the remarks at a bilateral meeting with a delegation led by him at the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh in Dhaka on Wednesday.
State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haq Khan raised the issue of reducing the cost of Hajj in the meeting.
In reply, the Saudi minister said that the matter of reducing the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage will be resolved through discussions between both parties.
He added, “The Hajj authorities have also talked about increasing the Hajj quota. They will also consider ways to reduce the expenses associated with Hajj.”
At the same time, validity of Umrah visa is also extending besides allowing people to perform Umrah under transit visa also.
Extending warm welcome to Bangladeshi people shared a significant update. He said, “The validity of Umrah visa has been extended from 30 days to 90 days granting visitors the opportunity to explore various cities including Makkah and Madinah. People will be able to perform umrah even if they hold a transit visa from now on.”
Of particular significance is the Saudi Minister has also informed that from now on women can undertake the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madina without requirement of a Mahram. This change is poised to provide greater accessibility and inclusive to female pilgrims.
The Saudi minister said that the significant role played by the 2.7 million Bangladeshi individuals presently employed in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing their invaluable contribution to the country’s progress. He also pointed out that Bangladeshi citizens residing in Saudi Arabia have the privilege of sponsoring their relatives for visit visas.
State Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan placed some demands to the Saudi Government. These demands encompass ensuring continuous electricity and water supply in Mina-Muzdalifah during Hajj, improving baggage management, and allowing elderly pilgrims to perform the stone-throwing ritual ahead of time. Furthermore, there is a proposal to enhance the overall facilities for Hajj and Umrah.
Mentionable, a delegation of 61 members led by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Saudi government arrived in Bangladesh on a two-day visit on Tuesday night.
