Saudi Arabia has announced the suspension of visa issuance to citizens from Nigeria and 13 other countries in preparation for the upcoming Hajj season. This includes the suspension of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for nationals of countries such as Egypt, India, and others.
According to officials who spoke to ARY News, the visa suspension is aimed at preventing unregistered individuals from attempting to perform the pilgrimage. The measure comes in response to increasing concerns over unauthorized pilgrims attempting to join Hajj and the rising number of overstayed visas, which has contributed to overcrowding and safety risks.
Saudi authorities have also raised concerns over the misuse of business or family visit visas, with some individuals entering the Kingdom and working illegally, which they say disrupts the local labour market and violates visa conditions.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the new measures were implemented to improve travel procedures and ensure safety during Hajj. They also warned that individuals found violating visa regulations could face a five-year entry ban into Saudi Arabia.
The affected countries include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
