Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of certain visas, including Umrah, business, and family visit visas, for nationals from 14 countries, including India. The suspension will remain in place until mid-June, following the conclusion of the Haj pilgrimage. This annual measure aims to prevent misuse of visas, where individuals enter the country on non-Haj visas and overstay to participate in Haj without proper registration, leading to overcrowding and safety concerns.
The affected countries include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, and others. The Saudi government has emphasized stricter controls to ensure a safer and well-organized Haj season, following tragic incidents in previous years where unauthorized visitors contributed to overcrowding. The new rules also include a deadline for Umrah visa applications, which will be accepted only until April 13, 2024. Those found overstaying or attempting unauthorized Haj participation may face a five-year entry ban.