Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary visa ban on 14 countries, including India, ahead of the Hajj 2025 season, set for June 4–9. Announced on April 6, 2025, this suspension affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas, lasting until mid-June, when the pilgrimage concludes. The move, aimed at curbing overcrowding and ensuring safety, has sparked discussions about its implications, particularly for India.
Saudi Arabia Bans Visas for 14 Countries Ahead of Hajj: Why India Faces Restrictions
The full list of affected nations includes Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the decision is a logistical measure—not a diplomatic one—prompted by recurring issues of unregistered pilgrims. India’s inclusion stems from instances where individuals have entered on Umrah or visit visas and overstayed to perform Hajj without official registration, bypassing the kingdom’s strict quota system. This practice contributed to the chaos of Hajj 2024, where over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and overcrowding, many of them unauthorized.
As of the latest updates, April 13, 2025, is the deadline for issuing Umrah visas, with no new visas granted to these 14 countries until post-Hajj. Diplomatic and Hajj-specific visas remain unaffected, ensuring registered Indian pilgrims can still participate. However, violators face a five-year entry ban, signaling Saudi Arabia’s firm stance on enforcement. The kingdom’s digital Hajj guide, now available in 16 languages, further underscores its push for a safer, more organized pilgrimage.
For India, with its significant Muslim population eager to undertake Hajj, this restriction highlights the need for stricter adherence to official channels. As Saudi Arabia balances tradition with modern crowd management, the ban reflects a broader effort to prevent future tragedies.
Add Business Connect magazine to your Google News feed
