Saudi Arabia Slaps Visa Ban On Nigeria, 12 Others

Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary visa ban on 13 countries ahead of the Hajj season to regulate travel, prevent overcrowding, and address security and illegal employment concerns.

Ahead of the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has introduced a temporary visa ban affecting 13 countries. This suspension impacts Umrah, business, and family visit visas. Diplomatic sources indicate that the ban might be lifted by mid-June.

Saudi authorities have confirmed that Umrah visa holders can still enter the country until April 13, despite the visa ban. The countries impacted by this restriction include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen.

The authorities have cited several reasons for this temporary ban. One of the main concerns is unauthorized attempts to perform Hajj.

In the past, some individuals entered Saudi Arabia with multiple-entry visas, staying illegally until the Hajj season to carry out the pilgrimage. This has led to overcrowding and security issues.

Another significant reason for the ban is illegal employment. Many people on business or family visit visas have been found working without authorization, violating their visa terms and causing disruptions in the labor market.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized that the visa suspension aims to regulate travel during the Hajj season and ensure the safety of all visitors. The authorities have urged applicants to comply with the new regulations, warning that failure to follow the rules could result in penalties. Additionally, anyone who remains in Saudi Arabia illegally could face a five-year entry ban.

This policy is part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabia to control immigration and manage pilgrims and tourists more effectively. Regular visa processing is expected to resume after mid-June.

To assist pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a digital guide available in 16 languages, including Urdu. This guide, which can be accessed in PDF and audio formats, provides essential information for pilgrims to help them carry out their religious duties smoothly.

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