Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries—including Nigeria, Egypt, and India—as part of its preparations for the upcoming Hajj season
Speaking to ARY News, officials said the suspension aims to prevent unregistered individuals from attempting to perform the pilgrimage. “The suspension of Umrah, business, and family visit visas is aimed at preventing unregistered individuals from attempting to perform the pilgrimage,” one official said.
The decision comes amid growing concern over the rising number of people trying to join Hajj without official permits. According to Arab News, many visitors in recent years have overstayed their visas, leading to overcrowding and creating serious safety risks.
Authorities also raised alarms about the misuse of business and family visit visas by individuals who illegally enter the Kingdom to work, a practice they say disrupts the labor market and violates visa regulations.
The Saudi foreign ministry said the new measures were introduced “to streamline travel procedures and enhance safety during Hajj,” warning that individuals caught residing in the Kingdom illegally may face a five-year entry ban.
The 14 countries affected by the suspension are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
Despite the suspension, ARY News reported that Umrah visa holders will still be allowed to enter the Kingdom until April 13. The restrictions are expected to remain in effect until mid-June, when the Hajj pilgrimage concludes.
During the 2024 Hajj season, at least 1,301 pilgrims died—most from heat-related causes. A significant number of the deceased were unregistered pilgrims without official permits. Last year, Saudi authorities said about 400,000 unregistered pilgrims took part in the Hajj, many of them from Egypt.
Under the current quota system, each country is allocated a limited number of Hajj permits through a lottery. However, due to the high cost of official packages, many pilgrims attempt to travel through unauthorized channels.
Unregistered pilgrims are often denied access to vital facilities, including air-conditioned tents, hospitals, and ambulance services—making the already demanding journey even more dangerous.
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