Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, and India, as part of intensified preparations for the 2025 Hajj season.
According to Saudi officials, the move aims to prevent unregistered individuals from using alternative visa channels to participate in the pilgrimage. The suspension is seen as a response to a growing trend of pilgrims attempting to enter the Kingdom without official Hajj permits.
In recent years, many visitors have overstayed their visas, contributing to overcrowding and creating serious safety concerns during the pilgrimage. Saudi authorities are also concerned about the misuse of business and family visit visas, which are sometimes used by individuals to enter the Kingdom and work illegally—disrupting labor markets and violating immigration rules.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the new visa restrictions are intended to streamline travel procedures and enhance safety during Hajj. Authorities also warned that individuals found staying in the Kingdom illegally could face an entry ban of up to five years.
The countries affected by the suspension include: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
While the suspension is temporary, Saudi officials have not announced a specific timeline for when the affected visa services will resume. Religious authorities in impacted nations, including Nigeria, are reportedly seeking further clarification and dialogue with Saudi counterparts as the Hajj season approaches.
