With the annual Hajj pilgrimage nearing, Saudi Arabia has suspended issuing some visas to residents of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The suspension is temporary and will hold until mid-June, when the Hajj festival concludes.

The suspended visas are:

  • Umrah visas
  • Business visas
  • Family visit visas

These will not be issued to nationals of the following countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.

But Umrah visa holders are still allowed to enter Saudi Arabia until April 13, as per a report by Pakistan's ARY News, which cited Saudi officials.

Why did Saudi Arabia make this decision?

This decision is intended to prevent individuals from performing Hajj without registration. Previously, numerous individuals came to Saudi Arabia on Umrah or visit visas and stayed illegally to participate in the Hajj without authorization.

This resulted in issues such as:

  • Overcrowding
  • Severe heat hazards
  • Safety issues

During Hajj 2024, more than 1,200 pilgrims died, primarily due to the severe weather and overcrowding.

Saudi Arabia has a system of quotas to control how many pilgrims from each nation are allowed to go for Hajj. When individuals go without adhering to this system, it upsets the plan and poses a danger to others.

Illegal work is another reason for the visa suspension. Foreigners used their business or family visit visas to work in Saudi Arabia illegally, and that created issues in the domestic job market.

Not all visas are revoked. The following remain valid:

  • Diplomatic visas
  • Residency permits
  • Official Hajj visas

All these forms of visas are still applicable for entry into the kingdom.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stated that the move is unrelated to political matters.

“The move has nothing to do with diplomatic concerns and was only taken as a logistical response to ensure a safer and better-organized pilgrimage,” authorities said.

Governments have also instructed visitors from the countries that were impacted to adhere to the new regulations. If a visitor violates these rules, they may be prohibited from entering Saudi Arabia for five years.

The upcoming Hajj period will be from June 4 to June 9, 2025.



You might also be interested in - Saudi Arabia warns Pakistan to stop sending 'beggars' to the gulf nation