Ministry of Religious Affairs has ordered 30 major Hajj agencies to complete visa processing for all pilgrims by March 5, with health checks, vaccinations and grouping also required before deadline.

Ministry sent letters on Wednesday to agencies whose 7,355 pilgrims have not yet completed health examinations. Bangladesh Overseas Services has highest number of pending health checks with 1,306 pilgrims, while Ehsan Air Travels has lowest with just 10 pilgrims.

Letter stated that Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's timeline sets 20th March as final date for visa processing completion. Health examination for fitness certificate and vaccination are mandatory before visa processing begins.

Ministry explained that creating pilgrim groups, group processing and other necessary procedures take 5 to 10 days to obtain visas. Additional time may be required if technical complications arise.

Letter emphasised that offices in both Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will remain closed during Eid-ul-Fitr holidays around 20th March. Therefore, health examinations, vaccinations and visa processing must be completed well before the deadline with sufficient time in hand.

Directive comes as authorities work to ensure smooth Hajj operations for Bangladeshi pilgrims this year. Agencies failing to meet deadline risk complications for their registered pilgrims seeking to perform religious pilgrimage.

Ministry's proactive approach aims to prevent last-minute rush and potential delays that could affect pilgrims' travel plans. Health screening requirement ensures pilgrims' fitness for physically demanding journey and rituals.