Hajj flight data must be entered, money for Qurbani cannot be taken from pilgrims

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed the Hajj agencies to enter Hajj flight data on time. At the same time, they have been warned not to take money for sacrificial animal (Qurbani) from the pilgrims. Apart from this, Hajj agencies have been cautioned against sending Zorda (processed tobacco leaves) cartoons through Hajj pilgrims.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued these instructions after a meeting with Abdur Rahman Ghanim, Director General of Jeddah Airport Service of the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry on the Zoom platform. In addition to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Bangladesh Hajj Office, Makkah and Jeddah officials and owners of Hajj agencies participated in the meeting held at 7:30 PM Bangladesh time on May 12.

In this meeting, dissatisfaction was expressed on the part of Saudi Arabia for not entering the flight data correctly and regularly in the Saudi e-Hajj system by the Hajj agency. It is said that due to not providing Hajj flight data entry, Madina and Jeddah airport authorities are not able to know the necessary information of Hajj pilgrims. As a result, there is a management problem regarding how many pilgrims are coming on which flight, which pilgrims are guided by which Muallem; and which hotel or house they are staying in, etc. Apart from this, there is also a problem in the transportation of pilgrims and their luggage. Muallem’s representative is also not present to provide services at hotels or homes. Due to this, the desired services are not being provided to the pilgrims and the pilgrims are being deprived of the benefits of the route-to-Makkah.

In this meeting, it is requested to enter the flight data correctly in the Saudi e-Hajj system before starting the Hajj flight journey. Otherwise, disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned agency.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has warned the Hajj agencies about some other errors. Some agencies sent cartoons of Jorda through their pilgrims which were intercepted at Jeddah airport. It is losing the honor of the country. Many agencies are not sending Hajj guides or representatives to accompany the Hajj pilgrims.

Despite the mention in the Hajj package, many agencies are charging pilgrims for Qurbani before Hajj. The pilgrim will perform the Qurbani according to their wish by purchasing the Saudi government bank coupon or by his own arrangement. The agency will not be able to take the Qurbani money in any way. The Ministry of Religious Affairs said that legal action will be taken against the concerned agency if specific complaints are received in this regard.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a letter in this regard yesterday.