Saudi Arabia imposes temporary visa ban on 13 countries ahead of Hajj season

Ahead of the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia authorities have imposed a temporary visa ban on 13 countries, including Bangladesh.

Ahead of the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia authorities have imposed a temporary visa ban on 13 countries, including Bangladesh.

According to diplomatic sources, the suspension applies to Umrah, business, and family visit visas. However, it may be lifted by mid-June. The report was published on Sunday by Pakistani media outlet ARY News.

According to the report, Saudi authorities confirmed that Umrah visa holders will be allowed entry into the country until April 13.

The countries affected by the visa ban are Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Saudi officials have highlighted several key reasons behind this temporary restriction. A major concern is unauthorized attempts to perform Hajj. In the past, individuals have used multiple-entry visas to enter Saudi Arabia and then stayed illegally until the Hajj season to perform the pilgrimage. This has led to overcrowding and security risks.

Another major reason is illegal employment. Many individuals entering on business or family visit visas were found to be working without authorization, violating visa conditions, and creating disruption in the labor market.

Saudi authorities emphasize security
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the temporary visa suspension is intended to help regulate travel during the Hajj season and ensure safety. Authorities have urged visa applicants to comply with the new regulations, warning that failure to do so could result in penalties.

According to sources, anyone who remains in Saudi Arabia illegally, despite the restriction, may face a five-year entry ban in the future.

This new policy is part of Saudi Arabia's broader immigration control strategy aimed at effectively managing pilgrims and tourists. Officials noted that normal visa processing is expected to resume after mid-June.

To assist pilgrims from various countries, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah previously launched a digital guide in 16 languages, including Urdu.

According to Saudi state media, the guide is available in multiple formats, such as PDF and audio versions, and can be downloaded from the ministry’s official website.

The guide provides essential information in various languages, including Urdu, English, Arabic, Turkish, French, Persian, Uzbek, and Indonesian, to help pilgrims perform their religious duties smoothly.