Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries—including Nigeria, Egypt, India, and Pakistan—in preparation for the upcoming Hajj season.
Speaking to ARY News, Saudi officials stated the decision was made to stop individuals without proper Hajj permits from entering the Kingdom.
The move aims to reduce the rising number of unregistered pilgrims who attempt to participate in the sacred pilgrimage without authorization.
According to a report by Arab News, Saudi authorities have raised concerns over the growing trend of visitors overstaying their visas, which contributes to overcrowding and heightened safety risks during the Hajj.
Additionally, the misuse of business and family visit visas by individuals working illegally in the Kingdom has become a pressing issue, with officials warning that such actions violate visa regulations and disrupt the local labor market.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that these measures were introduced to manage travel flow better and ensure all participants’ safety during the Hajj season. The ministry further warned that those residing illegally in Saudi Arabia may face a five-year entry ban.
The visa suspension affects citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
Despite the ban, ARY News reported that individuals holding valid Umrah visas will still be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia until April 13. The suspension is expected to remain in effect until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage.
The decision follows the tragic outcome of the 2024 Hajj season, during which at least 1,301 pilgrims lost their lives, many due to heat-related illnesses.
A large portion of the deceased had entered the country without official Hajj permits.
Last year, Saudi authorities revealed that roughly 400,000 pilgrims participated in the Hajj without proper registration, a significant number of whom came from Egypt.
Officials noted that each country receives a limited number of Hajj permits distributed through a lottery-based quota system. However, the high cost of official Hajj packages has led many people to seek unauthorized means to join the pilgrimage.
Unregistered pilgrims typically lack access to critical resources such as air-conditioned tents, healthcare facilities, and emergency services, which drastically increases the risks involved in completing the physically demanding religious journey.
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