Bangladeshi passengers on stopovers will be able to perform Umrah with transit visa, said Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Ar-Rabiah on Wednesday.

He disclosed the information while talking to reporters after a meeting with State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan at the Secretariat in the afternoon.

Minister Md Faridul Haque said Bangladeshis will be allowed to perform Umrah even in transit. “Passengers will avail this benefit only if they use Saudi carriers. The transit visa will be valid for four days.”

Besides, the validity of Umrah visa has been extended from 1 month to 3 months. Bangladeshi passengers can also travel the country on this visa, he added.

The state minister also said that discussions were held on increasing the Hajj quota and reducing the Hajj cost for Bangladeshis.