- Affected Countries: The suspension applies to citizens of 14 countries, including:
- Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia
- Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen
- Middle East: Jordan
- Visa Suspension: The issuance of Umrah, family visit, and business visas for citizens from these countries will be suspended from April 13, 2025, to June 2025.
- Reasoning: The decision aims to prevent unauthorized individuals from exploiting Umrah or visit visas to participate in the Hajj without proper registration, which can lead to overcrowding and logistical issues.
- Impact on Pilgrims:
- Registered Pilgrims: Those properly registered through official Hajj channels will not be affected and can still participate in the pilgrimage.
- Unauthorized Pilgrims: Individuals attempting to participate in the Hajj without proper registration or using alternative visa types will be barred from entering the Kingdom.
- Safety Concerns: The suspension is a response to concerns about overcrowding, logistical strain, and safety risks, particularly following the tragic events of the 2024 Hajj, where thousands of lives were lost due to overcrowding and extreme heat.
- Penalties: Individuals caught performing Hajj without a proper permit or overstaying their visa duration may face a five-year ban from re-entering the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended specific visa categories for citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria, India, and Pakistan, ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. The suspension affects Umrah, family visit, and business visas, effective from April 2025 to June 2025.
Affected Countries:
- Africa: Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Iraq, Bangladesh, Yemen
- Middle East: Jordan
Reasoning Behind the Suspension:
The decision aims to prevent unauthorized individuals from exploiting Umrah or visit visas to participate in the Hajj without proper registration, which can lead to overcrowding and logistical issues. This move comes after the tragic events of the 2024 Hajj, where thousands of lives were lost due to overcrowding and extreme heat .
Impact on Pilgrims:
- Registered Pilgrims: Those properly registered through official Hajj channels will not be affected and can still participate in the pilgrimage.
- Unauthorized Pilgrims: Individuals attempting to participate in the Hajj without proper registration or using alternative visa types will be barred from entering the Kingdom.
Nigeria’s Response:
The Nigerian government has stated that the country is not affected by the ban, and pilgrims with approved Hajj registrations will still be allowed entry into Saudi Arabia. Efforts are being made to improve services for Nigerian pilgrims, with the National Hajj Commission securing spaces for 52,000 pilgrims ahead of the deadline.
