Ahead of Hajj, Saudi Arabia Suspends Visas For 14 Countries Including India, What Will Happen To Your Umrah Visa?
First Published: 9th April, 2025 12:53 IST
Saudi Arabia Suspends Visas: The Saudi authorities reportedly introduced the measure to curb unauthorised attempts to perform Hajj.
As the annual Hajj pilgrimage approaches, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of specific visa categories for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The suspension affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas, and will remain in place until around mid-June, aligning with the end of the Hajj season, scheduled for June 4–9, 2025.
The ban impacts 14 nations, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
The Saudi authorities reportedly introduced the measure to curb unauthorised attempts to perform Hajj. In recent years, individuals have entered the Kingdom on Umrah or visit visas and overstayed to join the Hajj illegally, leading to severe overcrowding and safety risks. During the 2024 pilgrimage, such unregulated participation was linked to the deaths of at least 1,200 pilgrims due to intense heat and crowd-related issues.
Although the visa suspension is in place, individuals holding Umrah visas can still enter Saudi Arabia until April 13, according to Pakistani broadcaster ARY.
Saudi Arabia operates a strict quota system to regulate Hajj participation, allocating a limited number of slots to each country. Those who bypass this system undermine efforts to maintain safety and order during the pilgrimage.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about illegal employment, with some foreigners reportedly using business or family visit visas to engage in unauthorised work.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has clarified that the decision is purely logistical and not politically motivated. Officials have urged travellers to follow the new rules, warning that violators may face a five-year entry ban.
Diplomatic visas, residency permits, and official Hajj visas remain unaffected by the temporary suspension.
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