Entry restricted due to Saudi Hajj regulations.

New Delhi: As the Hajj pilgrimage approaches, Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary halt on the issuance of specific visas for citizens from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This suspension, which affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas, will remain in place until approximately mid-June, aligning with the end of the pilgrimage in Makkah.

Saudi Arabia temporarily bans visas before Hajj.

The prohibition affects 14 countries, namely India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco. This measure has been implemented to deter individuals from attempting to undertake Hajj without the necessary registration. Nevertheless, those possessing Umrah visas are still permitted to enter Saudi Arabia until April 13, as reported by Pakistan’s ARY, citing Saudi officials.

Visa suspension impacts travel to Saudi Arabia.

The reports indicated that the imposition of the ban was prompted by the influx of foreign nationals who previously entered the country on Umrah or visit visas and subsequently overstayed without proper authorization to take part in the Hajj. This situation has resulted in overcrowding and extreme heat conditions. A tragic incident during the Hajj in 2024 saw the loss of at least 1,200 pilgrims’ lives.

Saudi Arabia halts visits for Hajj season.

Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of visas for citizens from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, in anticipation of the Hajj pilgrimage scheduled for June 4-9, 2025. This suspension, which affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas, will remain in place until mid-June, aligning with the conclusion of the pilgrimage in Makkah. The decision aims to curb unauthorized attempts to perform Hajj, as many individuals have previously entered the country on temporary visas and overstayed to participate in the pilgrimage, resulting in overcrowding and safety concerns. Notably, the tragic events of Hajj 2024, which led to the deaths of at least 1,200 pilgrims, underscored the need for stricter regulations.

The kingdom employs a quota system to manage the number of pilgrims from each nation, and unauthorized participation undermines this framework. Additionally, the ban addresses issues of illegal employment, as some foreigners have misused business or family visas to work unlawfully in Saudi Arabia, disrupting the local labor market. read more