Umrah dreams dashed as Saudis lower visas to 10%

Every Ramadan, Bangladeshis flock to Makkah and Madina for Umrah, drawn by its spiritual promise—especially in the sacred last ten days. 

This year, though, a sudden Saudi decision to slash Umrah visas to 10% has left pilgrims and agencies stranded, tickets booked but dreams deferred. 

Amid the chaos, Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain is stepping in, penning a plea to Saudi Arabia and securing airline refunds to soften the blow.  

The trouble began March 4, Ramadan’s first week, when Saudi Arabia quietly throttled Umrah visas via its Nusuk app. 

“Millions are already there—more than during Hajj,” Adviser Khalid Hossain told Jago News on Sunday, March 16. “There’s no space for worship, so they’ve cut visas to 10%.” 

Agencies, expecting the usual rush, had pre-booked flights on Saudi Airlines and others. Now, with visas stalled, passengers can’t travel, and refunds hang in limbo—sparking tension between pilgrims and operators.  

“Some are getting money back; others cling to hope,” said Farid Ahmed Majumder, Secretary General of the Haj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB). An agency owner added, “We move 1,000-1,200 people daily in Ramadan. Now, nothing—until April 15, at least.”  

AFM Khalid Hossain fired off a letter to the Saudi Ambassador on March 15, urging a return to normal visa flows. 

“Our pilgrims are worried,” he said. “They’ve paid agencies, but tickets are locked. We’ve asked for relief— I’ll follow up by phone.” 

No reply has come yet, but the Ministry of Religion isn’t stopping there. A press conference looms in days to spotlight the crisis and outline Dhaka’s response.  

On the refund front, progress glimmers. “We’ve talked to airlines—they’ll refund tickets, minus a small fee,” Khalid Hossain confirmed. “If Saudi had warned us, agencies wouldn’t have collected funds. This blindsided everyone.”  

For Azizur Rahman Qasemi, Imam of Chanbanu Jame Mosque in Jatrabari, the sting is personal: “I go every Ramadan—last year, too. This time, I’m ready, but no visa. I wait on Allah.” 

Scholars echo the month’s pull: Umrah in Ramadan is a cherished virtue, a chance to pray and fast in Islam’s holiest cities. Saudi’s cap, meant to ease crowd strain, has instead sown frustration.