Sri Lanka urges Saudi to issue 8000 visas for Hajj pilgrims this year

The official delegation sent to Mecca and Medina to make the necessary arrangements to increase this year’s visa quota for Sri Lankan to participate in the forthcoming Hajj Pilgrimage met with Minister Dr Fouad Bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Hajj.

Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Minister met in his office on May 16, Sri Lankan Hajj mission delegation, led by A H M Fowzi, with S. Alavi Moulana, Governor of the Western Province and Y.L.M. Navavi (Director, Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs).

During the meeting, they discussed matters of mutual concern, particularly Sri Lankan pilgrims’ affairs and requirements for the forthcoming Hajj season.

Alavi Moulana speaking to Asian Tribune said that they have returned after a successful negotiation to increase the intake of Hajj pilgrims from Sri Lanka to the forthcoming Hajj in November 2010.

He told that Saudi expects a minimum of 3 million Hajj pilgrims this year and due to so many concerns they are trying to downsize the intake of pilgrims from many countries.

The Governor of the Western Province speaking to Asian Tribune said that for the last year Hajj pilgrimage Sri Lanka received 5500 visas. He added that for this year they have requested to increase Hajj pilgrims visa to at least 8000.

Alavi Moulana was optimistic and said Saudi Arabia might consider their request favorably.

- Asian Tribune -