Mon Apr 07 09:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Saudi Arabia Suspends Visas for 14 Countries Until Mid-2025 to Manage Hajj Pilgrimage
**RIYADH, Saudi Arabia** – Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries until mid-June 2025, coinciding with the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. The move, announced by Saudi officials, aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure only properly registered pilgrims participate in the Hajj, following last year’s stampede attributed to heat and unregistered attendees.
The ban affects several countries including India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, disappointing thousands of potential pilgrims. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has ordered stricter visa regulations, with the deadline for Umrah visa applications set for April 13, 2025. No new Umrah visas will be issued until after Hajj concludes.
To assist pilgrims and prevent illegal stays, Saudi Arabia has released a multilingual digital guide outlining safe and legal pilgrimage procedures. Strict penalties, including a five-year ban and a SAR 10,000 fine, await those caught circumventing the system. The government is emphasizing the importance of obtaining the necessary Hajj permits.
While the visa suspension is the main focus, the news piece also notes unrelated political tension in Bihar, India, sparked by a Waqf Amendment Bill, with opposition parties criticizing the ruling coalition’s handling of the issue. This unrelated political development has been included in the original text but is not directly connected to the Saudi visa ban.
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