Biman unable to set up temporary Saudi Arabia offices, asks Hajj pilgrims to call Bangladesh branches

A recent change in Saudi Arabia’s visa policy has barred Biman officials from travelling to the kingdom and helping Hajj pilgrims

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State-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines says it has not been able to open up temporary offices in Saudi Arabia’s Makkah and Madinah for Hajj pilgrims.

Instead, Biman has requested Hajj pilgrims to contact its offices in Dhaka’s Motijheel, or its district offices in Chattogram and Sylhet for any needs.

In a press release addressed to Hajj agencies and Hajj pilgrims on Thursday, Biman said that temporary offices are set up in Makkah and Madinah every year to make the return journey of Hajj pilgrims smooth, easy, and uninterrupted.

Accordingly, Biman had made all preparations to set up temporary offices in the two cities this year, but a recent change in Saudi Arabia's visa policy has imposed a temporary ban on visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Bangladesh.

As a result, despite Biman officials and employees completing all formalities, including Saudi visa applications, they are still unable to travel to the kingdom to serve Hajj pilgrims.

Under the circumstances, Biman has requested Hajj agencies or representatives to contact the Motijheel, Chattogram, and Sylhet offices during office hours to ensure smooth facilitation of all activities, including changing tickets for Hajj return journeys.

In cases of urgent need, they can also contact Biman’s city offices in Jeddah and Madinah.