MM Rahmatullah: There is an opportunity for Bangladeshis to perform the holy Umrah through the `Nusuk` app without the cooperation of the agency, said the Saudi envoy to Dhaka Issa bin Yusuf Al-Duhailan. He said, `Bangladeshis are now able to perform Hajj and Umrah without the help of any agency. They can select the package of their choice through the `Nusuk` app and everything including transportation, accommodation can be done easily.`

He gave this information at a press conference held at the Saudi Embassy in Baridhara on Tuesday.

Dr. Achel Al-Ghamdi, Assistant Supervisor of Development and Planning Department of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and ReliefCenter and Dr. Adil bin Abdul Aziz, Head of Al-Bassar International Foundation were present at this time.

Saudi Envoy Isa bin Yusuf Al-Duhailan said, `Umrah visa has been extended up to 90 days. If necessary, Umrah can also be performed with a 96-hour stopover visa. Bangladeshis are getting an opportunity to enjoy the unique cultural diversity of the KSA besides performing Umrah.

Moreover, UK, US, Schengen citizens or visa holders are getting e-visa within 24 hours.

Al-Duhailan said, "More than 30,000 students of 50 schools under 50 projects will be given eye services. Experienced doctors from Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are providing this service under the `IBSA` voluntary service program. These activities are being conducted under the supervision of Saudi Arabia`s Al-Bassar International Foundation and KSRelief.

Al-Duhailan said, "Saudi Arabia has launched humanitarian activities in more than 93 countries of the world. Over the past seven decades, Saudi Arabia has provided $95 billion in aid to more than a hundred countries around the world. Especially low and middle income countries are supported as part of development and humanitarian assistance.

Regarding visas for expatriate workers, `Saudi Embassy is issuing more than 5,000 visas every day. Initiatives have been taken to complete the work of visa issue faster, he added.

However, due to various cycles, Bangladeshi workers have to face many problems including long delays and harassment in the visa issue. In this case, if they submit the necessary documents directly, the confusion in the visa issue will be reduced in a faster time, he said.

He also said, "Currently Bangladesh has friendly relations with Saudi Arabia. Beyond Hajj and Umrah, cooperation between the two countries is increasing in the fields of trade, culture, defense cooperation, manpower, etc. In response to a question, Al-Duhailan said that Saudi Arabia has been supporting Bangladesh internationally in the repatriation of Rohingya. We also want the Rohingyas to return voluntarily.

The ambassador said, `Many Saudi companies are interested in investing in various sectors including the power sector of Bangladesh. Both sides are working on this issue. The ambassador also said that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Bangladesh next year. Historic visit of Muhammad Bin Salman will remove the barriers between the two countries, envoy added.