Monday, 7 April 2025
Trending
World

Important Visa Update: 14 Countries Affected Before Hajj 2025

  • Saudi Arabia halts Umrah, business, and family visit visas for 14 countries including India until mid-June 2025.
  • The suspension aims to control overcrowding and prevent unauthorized Hajj participation.
  • Last day to enter with an Umrah visa is April 13, 2025; Hajj takes place from June 4 to 9.

Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary suspension on the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

The move is a precautionary measure to prevent the misuse of non-Hajj visas for pilgrimage purposes, which has led to severe overcrowding and safety issues in the past.

Hajj 2025: Visa Ban for 14 Nations to Curb Overcrowding and Illegal Entry

The Saudi government has temporarily banned visa issuance to citizens from 14 nations, including populous countries such as India, Egypt, and Indonesia. This step has been taken in the lead-up to Hajj 2025, which is scheduled from June 4 to 9. The goal is to regulate the massive influx of pilgrims and ensure proper safety arrangements during the pilgrimage.

Saudi officials observed that in past years, many individuals entered the country using Umrah or visit visas and then illegally remained to perform Hajj, bypassing official registration. This not only violated visa rules but also disrupted the regulated quota system established for each country. To counter this, the cutoff for Umrah visa entry this year is April 13, 2025.

Another concern raised was the rise in foreign nationals using non-work visas to engage in unauthorized employment during their stay. Such practices have caused labor market disturbances and put additional pressure on local resources. With this visa restriction, the government is tightening enforcement against these violations.

Despite the suspension, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reassured the global Muslim community that the move is purely logistical, not political. They emphasized that this decision was made in the interest of safety, efficiency, and the sanctity of the pilgrimage experience. Travelers are urged to comply, or risk facing a five-year ban from entering the country.

Saudi Arabia’s visa suspension is a decisive effort to ensure a safe and organized Hajj season in 2025. By prioritizing authorized pilgrimages and public safety, the Kingdom is reinforcing responsible travel practices.

“Hajj is a journey of the soul, but it must be guided by order and discipline to protect every pilgrim’s right to worship safely.” – Unknown

Related posts
World

World Health Day 2025: Focus on Maternal and Newborn Health

Theme: Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures focuses on maternal and newborn well-being. WHO leads…
Read more
Latest NewsWorld

Mass Protests in Morocco Against Gaza Offensive and U.S. Role

Tens of thousands rallied in Rabat condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Protesters…
Read more
WarWorld

Missiles and Mourning: The Ukraine and Gaza Crisis

Missile strike on Kyiv kills 1, days after deadly attack in Zelenskyy’s hometown 46…
Read more
Newsletter
Become a Trendsetter

To get your breaking, trending, latest news immediately without diluting its truthfulness join with worldmagzine immediately.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LifestyleReligious

Chaitra Navratri 2025: Worship of Maa Shailputri on Day 1

Worth reading...