In a significant move aimed at regulating the influx of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has suspended the issuance of select visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, until the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage in mid-June.
The order, reportedly issued on the instructions of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, temporarily halts Umrah, business visit, and family visit visas. According to Saudi authorities, the decision is intended to prevent unauthorized individuals from participating in the Hajj pilgrimage without proper registration.
Officials have expressed concern that many foreign nationals have been misusing Umrah or visit visas to illegally stay and perform Hajj. The visa ban is a preventive measure to curb this growing trend, ensuring safety and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The suspension has left thousands of aspiring pilgrims in affected nations disappointed, especially those who had planned their visits ahead of Hajj season.
While the ban is temporary, it highlights Saudi Arabia’s increased focus on controlling overcrowding during one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
