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Saudi Arabia’s sudden visa ban: Temporary halt or long-term shift?

Saudi Arabia’s sudden visa ban: Temporary halt or long-term shift?

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 11, 2025, 12:41 IST

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Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended certain visa categories for 14 countries, including India, effective April 13, 2025, due to congestion and logistical issues during the Hajj season. The suspension impacts business, e-tourist, and family visit visas, aiming to curb unauthorized Hajj participation and ensure pilgrim safety.

Saudi Arabia’s sudden visa ban: Temporary halt or long-term shift?

In a move that has garnered significant attention, Saudi Arabia recently announced a temporary suspension of certain visa categories for citizens of 14 countries, including India. This decision, effective from April 13, 2025, encompasses business visit visas (both single- and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas. The affected nations are India, Pakistan, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.

Reasons behind the suspension

The main causes of this suspension, according to Saudi authorities, are the congestion and logistical difficulties encountered during the last Hajj season. Notably, there have been cases where people have participated in the Hajj without the required authorization after entering the Kingdom on non-Hajj-specific visas. In addition to upsetting the quota system, this unapproved involvement caused extreme congestion, which resulted in unfortunate events too, like for instance, almost 1,200 pilgrims, reportedly, lost their lives during the 2024 Hajj as a result of crowding and intense heat.
See more: Saudi Arabia: Umrah vs Hajj visas explained: Mistakes to avoid for hassle-free pilgrimage

Implications for Indian nationals

As a result of this restriction, Indian nationals will be unable to apply for new short-term visas for tourism, business, or family visits until mid-June 2025, coinciding with the end of the Hajj season. However, individuals holding valid visas issued before April 13 are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia until that date and must exit the country by April 29.
Read more: Saudi Arabia bans visas for 14 countries: Why is India on the list?

Measures to prevent unauthorised Hajj participation

It’s necessary to mention that Saudi Arabia follows a quota system to ensure a specific number of pilgrims from each nation get access for the pilgrimage. However, participation by people on non-Hajj visas without authorisation, not only compromises this system, but also presents serious logistical difficulties. In order to fix this, the Saudi government has stressed how crucial it is to have the right kind of visa for religious pilgrimages and has threatened to take legal action against those who do not comply.

Is it a long-term policy shift?

The ban is only temporary, as of right now. However, it raises concerns about possible long-term changes to Saudi Arabia's immigration regulations. With the Kingdom taking aggressive steps to safeguard tourists and stop illegal Hajj participation, visa requirements might tighten during peak pilgrimage seasons as a growing trend. It would be pertinent to note that travellers and stakeholders should stay informed about these changes to effectively plan their journeys.
Read more: Hajj on hold? Why Saudi Arabia suspended visas for India and 13 others
This latest move by Saudi Arabia to suspend some visa categories for 14 countries, including India, highlights its stern response and desire to better regulate the Hajj pilgrimage and ensure everyone's safety. Although reports suggest that the suspension is only temporary, it also highlights the importance of adhering to the correct protocols and rules while planning pilgrimages. In the present scenario, all those who intend to visit Saudi, are advised to stay updated with government announcements, visa regulations, and other procedures.

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