Saudi Arabia Temporarily Bans Visas For 14 Countries, Including India, Before Haj

Saudi Arabia has temporarily banned visas for 14 countries, including India and Pakistan, ahead of the Haj season, citing crowd control and logistical concerns.

Saudi Arabia’s temporary visa ban applies to Umrah, business, and family visas, with restrictions expected to end by mid-June, diplomatic sources told Ary News.

Officials told the newspaper that individuals holding Umrah visas can still enter Saudi Arabia until April 13.

Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen are among the 14 countries on which the suspension has been imposed.

Saudi officials have stated several reasons behind imposing the ban, with one of the major factors being the concern over unauthorised Haj participation.

In the past, many visitors entered the country on multiple-entry visas but during the Haj season and stayed illegally to perform Haj, leading to overcrowding and safety risks, reported Ary News.

Authorities have cited illegal employment as the other factor behind imposing the ban on the individuals.

Travellers using business and family visas reportedly engaged in unauthorised work, violating visa rules and causing labour market disruptions, the news channel reported.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the temporary visa ban would help streamline travel regulations and improve safety measures during the upcoming Haj season.

Authorities asked affected travellers to follow new regulations to avoid penalties.

Sources told the news channel that individuals staying illegally in Saudi Arabia despite the ban may face a five-year restriction on future entries.

Digital Guide

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah, earlier, launched a digital guide to facilitate pilgrims from different countries.

The guide was launched in 16 languages, including Urdu.

According to Saudi state media, the comprehensive guide became available in multiple formats, including PDF downloads and audio versions, which could be accessed through the ministry’s official website, reported Ary News.

The guide was released to provide major information to pilgrims in languages such as Urdu, English, Arabic, Turkish, French, Persian, Uzbek, and Indonesian to help pilgrims perform the pilgrimage.

(With inputs from IBNS)