SA imposes stricter travel guidelines

Staff Reporter :

Saudi Arabia has introduced mandatory vaccination requirements for specific categories of travellers, emphasising public health and safety.

Meanwhile, a total of 7,964 Bangladeshi workers have been identified as eligible for entry into Malaysia out of over 17,000 stranded workers.

The information was revealed during a weekly press briefing at the Foreign Ministry on Monday by Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam.

According to notifications issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), individuals travelling from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas or any other visa for performing Umrah, as well as those travelling on visit visas, must receive the meningitis vaccine at least 10 days before their journey.

“The new rules will primarily affect travellers from Bangladesh and other countries. They will come into effect on 10 February,” he said.

However, those who have received the vaccine within the last three years are exempt from taking it again, he added.

In a separate guideline, Saudi authorities have instructed all airlines to ensure that passengers travelling from or transiting through polio-endemic countries have received the polio vaccine. Most of these countries are in Africa, with two exceptions in Asia (Afghanistan and Pakistan).

“For the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), the certificate must be issued at least four weeks prior to arrival and must not be older than six months,” he said.

For the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), the certificate must also be issued at least four weeks prior to arrival and must not be older than 12 months, the spokesperson further elaborated.

“Passengers transiting through these countries for less than 12 hours or those who do not leave the transit area are exempt from this requirement,” he stressed.

Additionally, passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia from countries at risk of Yellow Fever must be vaccinated and possess a certificate issued at least 10 days before arrival. These high-risk countries include those in Africa and South America.

The same exemptions and regulations apply to transit passengers as outlined above.
Rafiqul Alam said, “Airlines have been instructed to enforce these requirements rigorously to ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia’s health and safety regulations.”

In response to a question about whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received a letter from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding taking action on Saima Wazed Putul’s position in the WHO due to corruption charges, he said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no information on this matter so far.”

The spokesperson was also asked about the Law Adviser’s statement that Interpol has issued a Red Alert against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In response, he clarified that any country can request Interpol to issue a Red Notice by providing information about a suspected criminal.

Regarding the Home Adviser’s comment that four instruments will be reviewed, the spokesperson noted that this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant ministries.

“If any ministry wishes to review an agreement, they will take the initial initiative. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide its input if its opinion is sought on reviewing these instruments,” he said.

When asked whether the Foreign Adviser has any plans to visit India, he said, “There is no such plan or schedule for any such visit right now.”

Regarding the recovery of the body of a Bangladeshi woman last Friday near Kalkere Lake, located in the eastern part of Bengaluru city in Karnataka, India, the spokesperson said, “We have directed the relevant mission to inquire about the incident in Bengaluru. Once detailed information is received from them, we will have a clearer understanding.”

On the ongoing border tensions, the spokesperson noted that it is not uncommon for neighbouring countries to face various border issues.

“Whenever such issues arise, we try to address them through the established border management mechanisms. Bangladesh always aspires to maintain good relations with all countries, and its actions reflect this aspiration,” he said.