Saudi halts short term visas for Hajj for 14 countries

With the Hajj pilgrimage around the corner, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of certain visas to citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The ban on Umrah, business and family visit visas will be effective till around mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of the pilgrimage to Makkah.

The step was reportedly taken to prevent individuals from trying to perform Hajj without proper registration. The reports said the ban was necessitated as many foreign nationals have entered the country on Umrah or visit visas in the past and then overstayed illegally to participate in the Hajj without official authorization, leading to overcrowding and intense heat. In one such incident during the Hajj in 2024, at least 1,200 pilgrims were killed.

Another reason behind the move was illegal employment. Authorities said that foreigners, using business or family visas, engaged in unauthorized work in Saudi Arabia, violating visa rules and causing labor market disruptions.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has assured that the move has nothing to do with diplomatic concerns and was only taken as a logistical response to ensure a safer and better-organized pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, diplomatic visas, residency permits, and visas particular to the Hajj remain unaffected by the move