'S Arabia changes visa rules to ease BD citizens' visits'

Visiting Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, on Wednesday said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has overhauled its visa policies to ensure hassle-free travel for Bangladeshis to that country.
"We are here to facilitate the arrival of Bangladeshis to Mecca and Medina. It is our role to make it easier for them to visit the two holy cities and make it a memorable experience."
The Saudi government has brought many changes to its visa policies to make it easier for Bangladeshis to visit the holy cities as well as any part of the KSA, he noted.
Dr Tawfiq was talking to the reporters after his meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam in the city.
The Saudi minister said the Umrah visa tenure has been extended from 30 days to 90 days. Anyone coming to Mecca-Medina for Umrah can visit any city in the KSA and meet their relatives and friends.
"We've also removed the restriction on women to have a guardian while visiting Saudi Arabia, so that they can come on their own."
Dr Tawfiq informed that the Saudi government has also initiated transit visa, which allows anyone to stop over in the country for up to four days and go to Mecca-Medina without any fees.
"The Saudi airlines will give one-day accommodation free of cost. People will get the visa as a part of the ticket itself. So it's a very simple and efficient process."
About simplification of the visa procedure, he said the Saudi visa can now be issued in less than 24 hours. Besides, a website was launched on Wednesday, and through this single platform Bangladeshis can get their visa as well as book accommodations and transportation.
On the economic development of Bangladesh, Dr Tawfiq said, "I'm truly impressed with the development that we see in Bangladesh. It's the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia. I'm very optimistic that the country will continue to develop its economy and grow even further."
Asked about the challenges in further advancing the bilateral ties, he said, "We don't see any challenges, we see opportunities. The relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia is always very strong, and it will continue that way."
M Shahriar Alam said, "We're grateful to the KSA for hosting nearly 3.0 million Bangladeshis. We hope that we will continue to support Saudi businesses and industries by supplying our efficient and hardworking human resources."
"We've also talked about increasing business and importance of showcasing Bangladesh in Saudi Arabia, especially in the areas where Bangladesh is doing well, like textile, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors," he noted.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com, talhabinhabib@yahoo.com