Saudi Arabia has stopped issuing visas to people from 14 countries, including India. The ban will remain in place until mid-June 2025. But is the restriction applicable to all visa categories? No — the visa suspension targets specific categories to help manage crowd control and ensure security during the Hajj season. The complete list of 14 countries impacted by this visa suspension, includes: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. What Happens to Those Already in Saudi Arabia?
Who All Should Avoid Applying For Visa?
Saudi Arabia has now stopped giving Umrah, business, and family visit visas to people from 14 countries, including India. This ban will last until the middle of June 2025, which is when the Hajj season ends. Reports say the decision was made to reduce overcrowding and improve safety during Hajj. The last date to issue Umrah visas is April 13, 2025. No new visas of these types will be given to people from the affected countries until Hajj is over.
This decision, aims to address overcrowding and safety concerns during Hajj. The Saudi authorities have set April 13, 2025, as the last date for issuing Umrah visas, with no new visas of these types granted to nationals of the affected countries until after Hajj concludes.
The complete list of 14 countries impacted by this visa suspension, includes: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
What Happens To Those Already In Saudi Arabia?
Those already having visa can stay until their visa duration ends. Those who have Umrah visas can also still enter Saudi Arabia until 13 April. However, individuals staying illegally in Saudi Arabia despite the ban may face a five-year restriction on future entries.
Why This Ban?
According to Saudi authorities, travelers using business and family visas reportedly engaged in unauthorized work, violating visa rules and causing labor market disruptions. The authorities believe that the temporary visa ban would help streamline them the travel regulations and improve safety measures during the Hajj season. Officials reaffirm that normal visa processes are expected to resume after mid-June.
