Key Points:
- Visa Ban Announced: Saudi Arabia imposes a temporary ban on Umrah, business, and family visas for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
- Effective Dates: The ban applies until mid-June 2025; Umrah visa holders can stay in Saudi Arabia only until April 13.
- Reasons for Ban: Overcrowding during Hajj and illegal employment cited as key reasons behind the suspension.
- Penalties for Violations: Staying illegally may result in a five-year entry ban to Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Indonesia. The restrictions come ahead of the Hajj season 2025 and are expected to remain in effect until mid-June. This decision was confirmed by diplomatic sources and aims to streamline travel regulations and ensure the safety of pilgrims during one of the busiest times of the year.
Affected Countries and Visa Guidelines
The visa suspension impacts travelers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen. Individuals holding valid Umrah visas can enter Saudi Arabia until April 13 but must leave the country by April 29. After April 13, no new entries will be allowed under these visa categories.
Reasons Behind the Ban
Saudi authorities have outlined two primary reasons for the temporary restrictions:
- Unauthorized Hajj Participation: In previous years, individuals entered Saudi Arabia on multiple-entry visas (business or family) and stayed illegally to perform Hajj. This led to overcrowding at holy sites and posed security risks.
- Illegal Employment: Many visitors used short-term visas to work without authorization in Saudi Arabia, disrupting the labor market.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these measures aim to regulate travel during Hajj and prevent misuse of visas.
Strict Penalties for Violations
Travelers who fail to comply with these rules face severe penalties. Those staying illegally beyond the allowed period may be barred from entering Saudi Arabia for up to five years. Officials have urged visitors from affected countries to adhere strictly to visa regulations to avoid sanctions.
Digital Guide for Pilgrims
To assist pilgrims during this period, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a multilingual digital guide available in 16 languages such as Urdu, English, Arabic, and French. The guide provides essential information about performing Umrah and Hajj smoothly and can be accessed via the ministry’s official website.
When Will Visas Resume?
According to officials, normal visa processing is expected to resume by mid-June after the conclusion of the Hajj season. This will allow travelers from affected countries to apply for new visas under standard procedures.
This temporary suspension highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to manage the influx of pilgrims effectively while addressing security concerns and ensuring a smooth Hajj experience for all participants.
