Saudi Arabia’s sudden visa ban
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.
Implications for Indian nationals
Due to this restriction, Indian nationals will not be able to apply for new shortterm visas for travel, business, or family visits until mid-June 2025, which is when the Hajj season ends. Nonetheless, anyone with valid visas issued prior to April 13 are permitted entry into Saudi Arabia until that date and are required to depart by April 29.
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.
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.
Originally Published at TIMESOFINDIA
