Saudi Arabia Bans Hajj Visas for 14 Countries Including India

Saudi Arabia has announced a visa ban on 14 countries, including India, as part of its efforts to regulate and control the Hajj pilgrimage more effectively. The move comes after concerns over unregistered pilgrims entering the kingdom using visit or Umrah visas and then staying illegally to perform Hajj. Authorities aim to prevent overcrowding and enhance safety measures during the annual pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Muslims from around the world.

Officials reported that many foreign nationals, especially from South Asia and Africa, entered Saudi Arabia through tourist or Umrah visas and then attempted to perform Hajj without proper registration. These unauthorized activities contributed significantly to chaos and safety challenges, including the tragic 2024 Hajj season, where over 1,000 people lost their lives due to heatstroke and overcrowding.

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Saudi Arabia Enforces Strict Deadline and Penalties

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set April 13, 2025, as the last date for issuing Umrah visas. After this deadline, Saudi Arabia will not issue any new Umrah visas until the Hajj season concludes. The banned countries include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and one unnamed nation. These countries have seen a higher number of unauthorized pilgrims in recent years.

Saudi Arabia has also launched a comprehensive digital Hajj and Umrah guide in 16 languages to help pilgrims follow the correct procedures and understand the importance of legal travel. The government warned that anyone found violating the visa rules or staying illegally during the Hajj period will face a ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia for five years.

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The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, directed authorities to implement tighter visa rules to avoid a repeat of previous tragedies and ensure that only registered pilgrims participate in the Hajj. The government urged all prospective pilgrims to use official channels and avoid shortcuts that could lead to legal trouble and endanger lives.

By enforcing this visa ban, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to organizing a safe, well-managed Hajj season and protecting the sanctity of one of Islam’s most significant religious duties.