Special Correspondent :
In a fervent exodus towards Saudi Arabia, over 17,141 Bangladeshi pilgrims have embarked on their journey to partake in the sacred rituals of Hajj this year, facilitated by 43 flights that commenced on Friday.
However, the pilgrimage dreams of around 8,000 individuals remain in limbo as they await their Hajj visas, delayed due to the sluggish submission of applications by travel agencies.
Despite the expiration of the visa application deadline on Saturday night, the Saudi visa application server continues to operate.
The government, in tandem with the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), is actively pursuing an extension of the deadline to alleviate the visa backlog. Assuring pilgrims of a swift resolution, HAAB Presid
ent M. Shahadat Hossain Taslim emphasised the absence of uncertainty regarding the pilgrimage for those awaiting visas, expressing optimism that the process will conclude within 2-3 days.
Additional Secretary (Hajj) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Md. Matiul Islam, told The New Nation, “Approximately 8,000 pilgrims are awaiting visas as of the latest update on Monday morning.”
“However, the Saudi government had extended the visa application deadline, instilling hope that all Bangladeshi pilgrims would soon receive their visas,” added the official.
With this year’s Hajj contingent upon moon sighting scheduled for June 16th, the urgency to expedite visa issuance is palpable. Presently, 72,138 pilgrims have secured their visas, with 259 in the printing process.
However, the fate of the remaining 11,167 applicants hangs in the balance, dependent on the Saudi government’s decision regarding a potential extension.
In response to the mounting crisis, Religious Affairs Minister Faridul Haq Khan has formally petitioned the Saudi authorities for a third extension, recognising the imperative to accommodate the burgeoning backlog and ensure the pilgrimage aspirations of all registered Bangladeshi pilgrims.
Religious Affairs Secretary A Hamid Zamadder said, “We remain optimistic regarding the ongoing efforts to secure an extension in the visa application period for Bangladeshi pilgrims.”
Zamadder further highlighted the continuous communication with counterparts in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, indicating hopes for a favourable outcome.
Zamadder further noted that other nations, including India and Indonesia, are grappling with similar visa issuance challenges.
The shared predicament among these countries may influence Saudi Arabia to consider extending the visa deadline, thereby offering a reprieve to affected pilgrims.
However, despite the government’s concerted endeavours, complications persist due to issues with local Hajj agencies.
Reports indicate that these agencies have encountered difficulties in securing accommodations in Saudi Arabia, a prerequisite for visa approval. This shortfall has precipitated last-minute scrambles and heightened uncertainty among pilgrims.
In a race against time, the agencies are fervently striving to secure housing at lower rates, a crucial factor contributing to the delay in visa processing.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the departure of the first batch of pilgrims on May 9, with flights scheduled to continue until June 10. Upon completion of Hajj rituals, return flights are slated from June 20 through July 22.