RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, and India, in preparation for the upcoming Hajj season.
This decision, confirmed by officials speaking to ARY News, aims to prevent unregistered individuals from attempting to perform the pilgrimage without the necessary permits.
The suspension comes amid rising concerns over the increasing number of pilgrims attempting to join the Hajj without official permits.
Over the years, many visitors have overstayed their visas, contributing to overcrowding and safety risks, particularly in relation to the management of the Hajj.
Authorities are also concerned about the misuse of business and family visit visas, with individuals entering the Kingdom under these categories to work illegally, disrupting the labor market and violating visa conditions.
In response, the Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the suspension of these visas is necessary to streamline travel procedures and enhance safety during Hajj.
It further warned that individuals found to be residing in the Kingdom illegally could face a five-year entry ban.
The countries affected by the suspension include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
While the suspension remains in effect, ARY News reported that Umrah visa holders will still be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia until April 13.
The restrictions are expected to last until mid-June when the Hajj season concludes.
The move follows the tragic events of the 2024 Hajj season, which saw at least 1,301 pilgrims perish, many due to heat-related causes.a
A significant portion of the deceased did not have official Hajj permits.
Saudi authorities reported that approximately 400,000 unregistered pilgrims participated in last year’s Hajj, with many of them coming from Egypt.
Under the quota system distributed by lottery, each country is allocated a limited number of official Hajj permits.
However, the high cost of official Hajj packages often drives many people to seek alternative, unauthorised routes.
Unregistered pilgrims are denied access to essential services such as air-conditioned tents, hospitals, and ambulances, making the journey even more dangerous.
