Riyadh, April 7 (HS): Saudi Arabian officials have placed a temporary restriction on issuing visas to citizens from 14 countries ahead of Hajj. This ban on Umrah, business, and family travel visas will remain in effect until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of the pilgrimage to Mecca. The ban applies to 14 countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.

Saudi officials stated that this restriction is applicable to Umrah, business, and family visas. Only individuals holding Umrah visas are permitted to enter Saudi Arabia until April 13. The Saudi authorities cited the prevention of unauthorized Hajj participation as the reason for this ban. Officials noted that in the past, many visitors entered the country on multiple-entry visas and illegally remained to perform Hajj, leading to overcrowding and security risks.

Unemployment concerns have emerged due to illegal employment by travelers on business and family visas, violating visa rules. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a temporary visa ban to improve travel regulations and security during Hajj. Pilgrims are urged to comply, with potential five-year bans for those illegally residing in Saudi Arabia.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar