News Desk
RIYADH: In preparation for the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary visa ban on 14 countries, including Pakistan. The ban, which affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas, is expected to remain in effect until mid-June.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that the Saudi government has formally notified Pakistani authorities of the decision. Pakistani citizens holding Umrah visas have been instructed to return home by 29 April, while 13 April has been set as the final date for Umrah visa holders to enter Saudi Arabia.
The list of affected countries includes Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen. Authorities have warned that staying in Saudi Arabia beyond the validity of a visa during the Hajj season could result in a five-year entry ban, regardless of nationality. The measure is part of Saudi Arabia’s routine administrative protocol to manage crowd control, ensure security, and allocate resources for the millions of pilgrims expected during Hajj. Such restrictions are typically imposed each year to streamline preparations and ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
