Hajj Visa Uncertainty: Over 11,000 Aspirants Await Clarity

With the deadline for applying for Hajj visas expiring Saturday night, more than 11,000 hopeful pilgrims from Bangladesh face an uncertain fate as they await confirmation of their visa status. This uncertainty casts a shadow over their potential participation in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, set to commence on June 16, pending the sighting of the moon. While 72,138 individuals have successfully secured Saudi visas as of Sunday, an additional 259 are in the final stages of the visa printing process. However, the fate of precisely 11,167 applicants hangs in the balance, awaiting a potential extension from the Saudi government. Minister of Religious Affairs Faridul Haq Khan has formally petitioned for an extension, while officials remain optimistic about the outcome, citing ongoing discussions with Saudi counterparts. Concurrently, challenges with local Hajj agencies, particularly in securing accommodations, have exacerbated the situation, leading to delays in visa processing. As the clock ticks, agencies are racing to secure housing at competitive rates, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding visa approvals. Amidst these challenges, 11,017 Bangladeshi pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia, with a total of 85,257 expected to partake in Hajj under both government and private management. The ministry awaits a definitive response on the visa extension issue, crucial for determining the fate of remaining aspirants, with expectations heightened ahead of Monday’s anticipated decision.