Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary ban on issuing Umrah, business, and family visit visas to citizens from 14 countries, including Nigeria, Pakistan, Egypt, and India.
The directive, announced by officials via ARY News, is designed to control crowd numbers and enhance safety protocols ahead of the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
Authorities stated the suspension seeks to curb a growing trend of individuals entering the Kingdom on non-Hajj visas but later attempting to perform the pilgrimage without authorization.
This influx of undocumented pilgrims has created logistical and safety challenges in past years, with overcrowding cited as a major concern.
The government also criticized the illegal use of visit and business visas by foreigners who exploit the system to seek employment, disrupting the regulated labor market.
As a deterrent, the Saudi foreign ministry warned that overstayers and those violating visa terms could be barred from entering the country for five years.
Among the countries affected are India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Jordan, Algeria, Tunisia, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Morocco.
While Umrah visa holders will still be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia until April 13, the restrictions will remain in force until the conclusion of the Hajj season in mid-June 2025.
The move follows the deaths of over 1,300 pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj, with many fatalities attributed to extreme heat and a lack of proper registration.
Reports indicated that nearly 400,000 unregistered pilgrims, a large number from Egypt, joined the pilgrimage last year, straining resources and healthcare systems.
Saudi Arabia enforces a strict quota system for Hajj permits, distributed through official channels.
Due to high costs, some individuals bypass the process, exposing themselves to hardship and limited access to facilities like cooling tents and medical aid.
The visa freeze is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety, orderliness, and sanctity of the pilgrimage.