Saudi temporarily suspends visa for India along with 13 other countries

With the Hajj pilgrimage around the corner, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of certain visas for citizens of several countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The ban, which affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas, will be in place until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of the pilgrimage in Makkah.

The ban has been imposed on citizens from 14 countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.

This measure has reportedly been taken to prevent individuals from attempting to perform Hajj without proper registration. However, individuals holding Umrah visas can still enter Saudi Arabia until April 13.

In the past, many people have allegedly entered the country on Umrah or visit visas and overstayed illegally to participate in the Hajj without official authorization, which has contributed to overcrowding and challenges due to intense heat.

Another reason for the visa suspension is illegal employment, with foreign nationals using business or family visas to engage in unauthorized work in Saudi Arabia, thereby violating visa rules and disrupting the labor market.

Meanwhile, diplomatic visas, residency permits, and visas specific to the Hajj remain unaffected by this move. The Hajj 2025 season is scheduled for June 4-9.