Saudi Arabia Bans Visas For 14 Countries Including India: Here's Why

Saudi Arabia temporarily banned certain types of visas for 14 countries including India ahead of upcoming Hajj season. According to the various media reports, the ban will be starting from April 13 and will last until the end of Hajj which is coinciding with mid-June.

Other 13 listed countries are Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.

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The suspended visas are of Umrah, business, and family visit visas. Meanwhile, diplomatic visas, residency permits, and visas particular to the Hajj remain unaffected by the move.

Why Saudi Arabia banned visas?

In recent years, there was overcrowding during Hajj pilgrimage which caused tragedies. In 2024, more than 1000 people were killed in a stampede. Now by this move the authorities are targeting to eliminate such incidents and to make a smooth pilgrimage for people.

According to the authorities, there were many unauthorized entries in the time of Hajj which causes the overcrowding. Many individuals from these countries who come to Saudi Arabia on visit or Umrah visas remain there till the end of Hajj season. As each countries have a quota for pilgrims in Hajj, these people bypass the system and enter unauthorized. So the visa ban mainly aims to prevent individuals from performing Hajj without proper registration.

The Saudi Crown Prince Muhammed Bin Salman has ordered authorities to monitor the visa regulation at stricter terms especially in the time of Hajj to make the pilgrimage smoother. These new regulations include severe penalties for the violation, including a five-year ban on the entry to the country.

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As the new measures come into effect, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has clarified that the decision is not linked to any diplomatic issues. Instead, it is a logistical move aimed at ensuring a safer and more efficiently managed pilgrimage.