The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented new travel regulations, halting the granting of specific visas to individuals from 14 nations including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, according to reports.
Nevertheless, the suspension does not affect Indian pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia solely for Hajj and who possess Hajj visas. Pilgrims possessing valid Hajj permits or planning to obtain one will be permitted to enter Mecca and Medina and take part in the pilgrimage as scheduled. The suspension aims specifically at different visa categories to stop unauthorized individuals from undertaking Hajj without proper registration and to prevent overcrowding.
The prohibition is implemented in the context of attempts to manage congestion caused by the Hajj pilgrimage.
As per various media sources, the prohibition will remain effective until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage. The limitation is essentially a short-term halt on the granting of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for nationals from 14 nations, among them India. This measure remains in place until mid-June 2025, coinciding with the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.
According to the new regulations, Umrah visas, business travel visas, and family visit visas are on hold. Livemint was unable to independently confirm these reports, and there has been no official statement from the Saudi foreign ministry to date.
The Saudi Arabia visa prohibition is a letdown for pilgrims hailing from nations such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, from where many individuals embark on the sacred pilgrimage. Saudi authorities stated that the decision aims to prevent individuals from attempting to perform Hajj without proper registration.
Full list of countries facing Saudi Arabia visa ban
Reports have identified a list of 13 nations that will face Saudi Arabia visa ban. One other country has not been clearly identified. The 13 identified countries are:
1. India
2. Pakistan
3. Bangladesh
4. Egypt
5. Indonesia
6. Iraq
7.Nigeria
8. Jordan
9. Algeria
10. Sudan
11. Ethiopia
12. Tunisia
13. Yemen
Authorities have claimed that individuals from foreign countries are entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah or visit visas and are illegally overstaying to carry out Hajj in the sacred Mecca.
