- Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Saudi government has taken these measures to prevent individuals from trying to perform Hajj without proper registration
By: India Weekly
SAUDI ARABIA has temporarily suspended the issuing of certain visas to people from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, to prevent overcrowding in Mecca during the Hajj season, according to media reports.
The visa suspension includes Umrah visas, business and family visit visas, and the ban will last until mid-June, when this year’s Hajj pilgrimage concludes.
Saudi authorities have taken these measures to prevent individuals from trying to perform Hajj without proper registration.
They claim that many foreign nationals have been entering Saudi on Umrah or visit visas and then overstaying illegally to participate in the Hajj without official authorisation.
Many also take up illegal employment in violation of visa rules.
As part of this initiative, foreign nationals will be allowed to apply for Umrah visas only until April 13. After this deadline, no new Umrah visas will be issued until the Hajj ends.
The other countries impacted by this ban include Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Yemen.
Individuals from these countries who currently hold valid short-term visas for Saudi Arabia will be allowed to travel or remain in the country only until April 13.
After this deadline, they need to exit the country and their entry will not be permitted regardless of the visa’s validity period.
Anyone staying illegally during Hajj could face a five-year entry ban to Saudi Arabia.
Those wanting to attend Hajj should follow the rules and get registered. The authorities have warned that individuals on visit visas will be prohibited from performing Hajj.
Saudi authorities claim the steps are being taken to prevent overcrowding and avoid a repeat of tragic events of 2024, where over 1,000 people lost their lives during Hajj.
Many of the dead were unauthorised pilgrims, and overcrowding made the situation worse.
The authorities have warned that a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals will be imposed on anyone attempting to enter Mecca without a valid Hajj permit, according to Gulf News.
