People who have completed pre-registration intending to perform hajj this year, are now reluctant to submit their money as the coronavirus panic has gripped them, sources at the religious affairs ministry have confirmed. As per government information, a total of 137000 pilgrims expected to perform hajj this year. However, after pre-registration began on March 1 this year, until now 3887 interested people have finally completed their hajj registration process.
Due to the outbreak, after an immediate ministry meeting on March 8, religious affairs state minister Sheikh Abdullah said, “People who are keen to perform the holy Hajj will not be affected financially as the government will take responsibility for any inconvenience due to coronavirus (COVID-19)”.
He said adding, “Saudi authorities, alarmed over the spread of coronavirus, at the beginning of this month suspended umrah visas. If people panic about coronavirus issues and stay away from registration for the Hajj journey, it will not be possible for them to perform Hajj this year”.
According to religious affairs ministry official information, after getting the money from respected pilgrims both government and private hajj agencies start procedures. Then the amount is sent to Saudi Arabia to pay Muallem fees, rent accommodation and ancillary expenses.
Also before going to Hajj, concerned people have to go through health checks, get vaccinations, get training for Hajj, collect air tickets and get visas. At the end of registration, the Saudi government will have to report the final number of pilgrims. Based on the pilgrim number, the Saudi Government will then finalize the flight schedule, they added.
It is to be noted, subject to the appearance of the moon this year, hajj will be held on July 30 and pre hajj flight operation will start on June 23. The government has approved 788 agencies to send pilgrims from the country this year. Registration will continue until March 7. As such, there are only two working days left. Today, and the next Sunday after Thursday, the Hajj deposit can be registered.
Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Secretary-General Shahadat Hossain said, “In the beginning, people’s interest is always found low which turns higher at the end. However, if people fearing the lethal virus do not complete their registration, they will be unable to perform hajj this year”.
Of the total number of pilgrims, 17,198 will perform their hajj under the government scheme, while the remaining 120,000 are using the services of private operators. The pre hajj registration, which was started on March 2, will end on March 15.
