Hajj ‘Besa’ visa allocations, fund use come under scrutiny

Reality Check
By Editor_1
-ghanaianminaret.com

COLOMBO – The allocation of special Hajj visas issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the use of state funds related to Sri Lanka’s annual pilgrimage have come under renewed scrutiny following disclosures obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Documents released by provincial religious affairs authorities raise questions over the distribution of 35 ‘Besa’ visas allocated to Sri Lanka for the 2026 Hajj season, as well as the disbursement of funds to officials and committee members involved in pilgrimage-related activities.

According to official records, the visas were issued on the recommendations of the Hajj and Umrah committees and approved by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. A ‘Besa Visa’, also known as a Free Movement Pass, is issued by the Saudi Hajj Ministry in addition to the official Hajj quota allocated to each country to facilitate travel and operational arrangements linked to the pilgrimage. These visas are generally intended for individuals providing services and administrative support to pilgrims during Hajj.

However, the All-Ceylon Hajj Tour Operators Association has alleged that a number of the visas were granted to relatives of Hajj committee members rather than qualified service personnel. While authorities initially rejected the allegations, RTI responses from provincial offices confirmed that some visas had been issued to spouses of committee members.

The disclosures have raised questions about whether the allocation process complied with transparent and objective criteria. Requests for documentation explaining the basis of selections received only a general response that applications approved by the Hajj Committee were eligible for submission.

Records released under RTI also indicate that provincial authorities have not been able to provide detailed documentation relating to eligibility requirements and selection procedures for 11 visas issued under ministerial directives. Information regarding interview processes and assessment criteria was either incomplete or unavailable, fuelling concerns about the transparency of the selection process.

Financial records obtained through RTI also show that 20 visa recipients received 9,323.02 Saudi Riyals each to cover expenses related to the Besa visas.

In addition, 15 officials and committee members received both the visa-related allocation and an additional travel allowance of USD 1,000 each. Based on prevailing exchange rates, the visa allocation amounted to approximately Rs 783,000 per recipient, while the travel allowance exceeded Rs 300,000.

Records indicate that senior officials, committee members, provincial officers, medical personnel, media officers and support staff received varying levels of financial assistance from Hajj-related funds to support their travel and service duties during the pilgrimage.

The disclosures have prompted criticism from sections of the Muslim community, particularly among pilgrims who often bear high personal costs to undertake the religious obligation. Critics argue that greater transparency is needed to ensure that public funds and special visa allocations are used solely for pilgrim welfare and operational requirements.

Observers have called on the relevant authorities to publish the full eligibility criteria and selection procedures governing Besa visa allocations, disclose a comprehensive list of beneficiaries and expenditures, and clarify whether committee members and their immediate family members are eligible to receive visas or state-funded travel assistance.

They have also urged independent audits of Hajj-related expenditures and the public release of audit findings to strengthen accountability and restore confidence in the administration of pilgrimage affairs.

The Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, did not respond to the concerns raised in the RTI disclosures.

-ENCL

Editor_1
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