Hajj 2025: Saudi Halts Visas for 14 Nations Over Illegal Pilgrimage Concerns
New Delhi: Ahead of the Hajj 2025 season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily stopped issuing certain visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The suspension, which affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas, will remain in effect until mid-June — around the end of the annual pilgrimage. The countries affected by the suspension include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco. According to reports, the move aims to prevent unregistered individuals from attempting to perform Hajj without proper authorization. In past years, many foreigners entered Saudi Arabia using Umrah or visit visas and stayed on illegally to join the pilgrimage, leading to serious overcrowding and safety concerns. During Hajj 2024, such conditions reportedly contributed to the deaths of over 1,200 pilgrims. Saudi authorities have confirmed that individuals with valid Umrah visas can still enter the country until April 13. The kingdom follows a strict quota system, which assigns each country a limited number of Hajj slots. Unauthorized pilgrims bypass this system, overwhelming facilities during one of the hottest and most crowded times of the year. Another reason for the temporary visa halt is to curb illegal employment. Authorities found that some people entered Saudi Arabia on business or family visit visas but then worked illegally, violating immigration and labor laws. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that this step is not politically motivated and has no connection with diplomatic issues. It is a precautionary and logistical decision to ensure safety and order during Hajj 2025, scheduled for June 4 to 9. Travelers from the affected countries have been advised to follow the new rules strictly. Anyone found violating the policy may face a five-year entry ban. Visas for diplomatic purposes, residency permits, and Hajj-specific visas remain valid and are not affected by this suspension.













