RIYADH: Saudi authorities have announced a temporary visa ban affecting 14 countries ahead of the Hajj season. The suspension applies to Umrah, business, and family visas, with restrictions expected to end by mid-June 2025, according to diplomatic sources. Officials confirm that individuals holding Umrah visas can still enter Saudi Arabia until April 13, 2025. The affected countries include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Saudi officials have identified several factors behind the decision of the temporary visa ban. The primary concern is unauthorized Hajj participation. In the past, many visitors entered the country on multiple-entry visas but stayed illegally during the Hajj season to perform the pilgrimage, leading to overcrowding and safety risks. Another major factor is illegal employment. Travelers using business and family visas reportedly engaged in unauthorized work, violating visa rules and causing labor market disruptions.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the temporary visa ban would help streamline travel regulations and improve safety measures during the Hajj season. Authorities urge affected travelers to comply with the new rules to avoid penalties. Additionally, sources indicate that individuals staying illegally in Saudi Arabia despite the ban may face a five-year restriction on future entries. The latest policy highlights Saudi Arabia’s immigration control strategy, ensuring better management of pilgrims and visitors. Officials reaffirm that normal visa processes are expected to resume after mid-June.
To assist pilgrims from various countries, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah previously launched a digital guide available in 16 languages, including Urdu. According to Saudi state media, the comprehensive guide became available in multiple formats, including PDF downloads and audio versions, which could be accessed through the ministry’s official website. The guide provides essential information in various languages, including Urdu, English, Arabic, Turkish, French, Persian, Uzbek, and Indonesian, to help pilgrims perform their religious duties smoothly.
As the Hajj season approaches, the Saudi government is taking significant steps to regulate the influx of pilgrims and ensure their safety. This temporary visa ban comes in the wake of the tragic events during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, where over 1,000 pilgrims lost their lives due to overcrowding and extreme conditions. Many of the deceased were unregistered, underscoring the need for stricter regulations to prevent unauthorized participation.
In addition to the visa ban, the government has implemented measures to facilitate the travel of registered pilgrims. The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan has approved a comprehensive Hajj flight schedule for this year, allowing 89,000 pilgrims to travel to Saudi Arabia through five airlines under the government Hajj scheme. The first Hajj flight is set to depart on April 29, 2025, with the last flight scheduled for May 31, 2025. Pilgrims have been instructed to get vaccinated at their respective Haji camps ten days before their flight, which is mandatory.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has also announced its pre-Hajj operations, which will continue from April 29 to June 1, 2025. During this period, the national airline will transport more than 56,000 Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through 280 special flights. Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 aircraft will be used to ensure a comfortable and organized journey for the pilgrims. PIA’s post-Hajj operation will begin on June 12, 2025, and continue until July 10, 2025.
For this year’s Hajj, approximately 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to perform the pilgrimage. The cost of the 40-day-long Hajj package has been reduced by Rs25,000, bringing the total to Rs1,050,000. Similarly, the 25-day short Hajj package has been further reduced by Rs50,000, setting the new price at Rs1,100,000.
As the authorities prepare for the upcoming Hajj season, they emphasize the importance of compliance with the new regulations. The temporary visa ban serves as a reminder of the need for safety and organization during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. With the measures in place, Saudi Arabia aims to ensure that the pilgrimage experience remains safe and spiritually fulfilling for all registered pilgrims.
