Expatriates do not need meningitis vaccine to go to Saudi Arabia: HSIA Director

Remittance fighters, or expatriate workers, are not required to get vaccinated against meningitis to go to Saudi Arabia.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Director Kamrul Islam gave this information on Tuesday (January 21).

He said that meningitis vaccination is mandatory only for those who are going to perform Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. In addition, this vaccination is also mandatory for those who are going to Saudi Arabia on a visit visa. This vaccination is not mandatory for those who are going on a work permit and who are expatriate workers.

Earlier, on Monday (January 20), the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authority issued instructions regarding the mandatory meningitis vaccination for Hajj and Umrah passengers. This instruction has been given in light of the new instructions of the Saudi Arabian government.

This vaccination instruction will be effective from February 10.

Airport Executive Director Kamrul Islam has sent a letter to all airlines and airport-related parties in the country regarding the instructions.

The guidelines state that this rule will apply to all those who are going to perform Umrah or Hajj or to visit Saudi Arabia on a visit visa. They must get the meningitis vaccine at least 10 days before traveling to Saudi Arabia. They must carry the vaccination certificate with them during the trip.

It also states that it is not mandatory for children under one year of age to get this vaccine. If someone has been vaccinated within the last three years, they will not have to get vaccinated again upon entering Saudi Arabia.