To manage overcrowding during Hajj, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India. The other countries impacted by this decision are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen
As the Hajj pilgrimage approaches, Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This suspension will remain in place until around mid-June, aligning with the end of the pilgrimage in Makkah. The affected countries include Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco, alongside India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Why has Saudi Arabia banned Visas for 14 countries?
The decision was reportedly made to prevent people from attempting to perform Hajj without official registration. However, those with valid Umrah visas are still permitted to enter Saudi Arabia until April 13. According to reports, the ban was implemented due to past instances where foreign nationals entered the country on Umrah or visit visas and overstayed illegally to join the Hajj without authorization. This has led to overcrowding and challenges during the pilgrimage, including extreme heat. In one such case during the 2024 Hajj, at least 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has reportedly directed officials to enforce stricter visa regulations, as per several media sources.
According to the new rules, April 13 is the final date to apply for an Umrah visa this year, and no additional Umrah visas will be issued until after the Hajj concludes.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that the decision is purely logistical, aimed at ensuring a safer and more organized pilgrimage, and is not connected to any diplomatic issues, according to a report by The Times of India.
Reports also mention that some individuals from India and other affected countries had previously entered Saudi Arabia on Umrah or visit visas and overstayed to perform Hajj without registering officially. This practice bypasses Saudi Arabia’s quota system, which controls the number of pilgrims from each country.
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