Saudi Arabia has reduced the issuance of Umrah visas to just 10% without prior notice, leaving thousands of Bangladeshi pilgrims and travel agencies in a state of uncertainty.
The decision has disrupted the plans of many who had already booked flights and made advance payments for their spiritual journey during the holy month of Ramadan.
To address the issue, Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Advisor, A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, has sent a letter to the Saudi Ambassador in Dhaka, urging the Saudi government to restore the normal issuance of Umrah visas. Additionally, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has been in contact with airlines, which have assured refunds for advance ticket bookings. However, a nominal fee may be deducted as per standard procedures.
A large number of Bangladeshi pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan every year. In anticipation, travel agencies had booked airline tickets in advance, and many pilgrims were waiting for their visas.
However, without prior notice, the Saudi government abruptly reduced the issuance of Umrah visas to just 10 percent of the usual quota, causing significant disruption for both pilgrims and travel agencies. The uncertainty surrounding refunds for advance airline bookings has further complicated the situation.
The ministry is expected to hold a press conference in the coming days to address concerns over the Saudi government’s decision and the measures being taken to support affected pilgrims.
Religious scholars emphasize that performing Umrah during Ramadan holds great spiritual significance. Many pilgrims specifically choose this time for their journey, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan when they engage in Itikaf in Makkah and Madinah.
Officials and industry experts report that, as in previous years, a surge of Umrah pilgrims arrived in Makkah and Madinah at the beginning of Ramadan. However, the unprecedented number of visitors this year overwhelmed Saudi authorities, leading them to significantly cut the issuance of Umrah visas in the first week of Ramadan.
The Saudi government manages Umrah visa applications through the Nusuk app. Since March 4, the system has been issuing visas at only 10 percent of the previous capacity, leaving thousands of prospective Bangladeshi pilgrims stranded. Travel agencies, which had anticipated high demand during Ramadan, had already booked tickets with airlines such as Saudia Airlines and other carriers. However, due to the sudden visa restriction, airlines are not offering refunds or rescheduling options for these bookings.
The abrupt decision by the Saudi government has put travel agencies and Umrah pilgrims in a difficult position. The uncertainty has led to disputes between travel agencies and their customers. Some pilgrims are requesting refunds, while others are still hopeful that their visas will be issued.
A. F. M. Khalid Hossain stated that millions of people have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, surpassing even the number of Hajj pilgrims. He added that the Saudi government made the decision to reduce visa issuance because the sheer number of visitors has made it difficult for people to worship in a peaceful environment. He expressed concern over the situation and noted that Bangladesh has officially communicated its worries to Saudi authorities. The letter sent to the Saudi Ambassador requests the reopening of Umrah visa issuance for Bangladeshi pilgrims.
He also confirmed that airlines have agreed to process refunds for advance ticket bookings, though a small cancellation fee may apply. He pointed out that had Saudi authorities announced the decision in advance, travel agencies would not have accepted payments from prospective pilgrims.
Religious leaders and travel agencies remain hopeful that the Saudi government will reconsider its decision. Meanwhile, pilgrims who had planned their spiritual journey for Ramadan are left waiting in uncertainty. The window for Bangladeshi pilgrims to travel for Umrah remains open until April 15, leaving a possibility for those still hopeful of making their pilgrimage this year.
