New Delhi:
With the Haj pilgrimage around the corner, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of some visas to citizens of 14 countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Umrah, the ban on business and family visits visas will be effective by mid -June, which coincides with the conclusion of Mecca pilgrimage.
The ban affects 14 nations including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco.
Steps were allegedly taken to prevent individuals from trying to HAJJ without proper registration. However, people with Umrah Visa can still enter Saudi Arabia by 13 April, Pakistan, Pakistan And Saudi officials were quoted as saying.
Reports said that a ban was required as many foreign nationals have entered the country on Umrah or visited a visa in the past and then illegally overseased to participate in Haj without an illegal official authority, which caused congestion and intense heat. In one such incident during Haj in 2024, at least 1,200 pilgrims were killed.
The Kingdom has a quota system, which allocates a specific Haj slot to each country to regulate the number of pilgrims. People who illegally participate in Hajas bypass this system.
Another reason behind this move was illegal employment. Officials said foreigners, using business or family visas, in unauthorized work in Saudi Arabia, violating visa rules, and creating disruption in labor markets.
The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has assured that the move had nothing to do with diplomatic concerns and was taken as a logical reaction to ensure only a safe and better organized pilgrimage.
The reports stated that the authorities have asked the affected passengers to follow the new rules, as it was found that individuals violating the order may face a five -year ban on future entries.
Meanwhile, the visa for diplomatic visa, residency permit, and especially Haj is unaffected by this move. The Haj 2025 season is scheduled for 4-9 June.