RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, April 8: Saudi Arabia has announced new travel restrictions, suspending the issuance of certain visas to citizens of 14 countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, according to reports. However, the ban does not affect Indian pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, as long as they have obtained the necessary Hajj visas. Pilgrims holding valid Hajj permits or intending to secure one will be permitted to travel to Makkah and Medina to participate in the pilgrimage.

The suspension specifically targets other visa categories to prevent unauthorized individuals from performing Hajj without proper registration and to avoid overcrowding. The decision comes as part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to control the flow of pilgrims during the busy Hajj season.

The visa ban will remain in effect until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage. The restriction applies to Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of the affected countries, including India. The suspension is expected to last until June 2025. While multiple media reports have confirmed the ban, Livemint was unable to independently verify the information, and no official statement has been released by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ban has caused disappointment among pilgrims from countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, where many individuals travel to Saudi Arabia for the holy pilgrimage. Saudi authorities explained that the move aims to prevent people from attempting to perform Hajj without proper documentation, addressing concerns over overcrowding and the illegal overstay of visitors.

There have been reports of people visiting Saudi Arabia on Umrah or visit visas and overstaying their permitted time in order to perform Hajj, which has contributed to the challenges of managing the pilgrimage. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has reportedly instructed authorities to enforce stricter visa regulations to ensure a smooth and secure Hajj experience.

Under the new guidelines, Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of the 14 affected countries will be suspended starting April 13, 2025. Following this date, no new visas will be issued to nationals from these countries.

The 13 identified countries affected by the visa ban are:

- India

- Pakistan

- Bangladesh

- Egypt

- Indonesia

- Iraq

- Nigeria

- Jordan

- Algeria

- Sudan

- Ethiopia

- Tunisia

- Yemen

The decision follows the tragic events of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, during which over 1,000 pilgrims lost their lives. Many of the victims were reportedly unauthorized visitors. Overcrowding, coupled with extreme heat, contributed to the deadly incident. In response, Saudi Arabia hopes that restricting illegal visitors through the visa ban will prevent similar tragedies and ensure a safer, more organized Hajj pilgrimage.