Saudi Arabia has suspended issuing of certain visas to people from Nigeria and 13 other countries over hajj safety issues.
The ban, according to report will last until mid-June, around the time when this year’s Hajj pilgrimage concludes.
The visa suspension includes Umrah visas, as well as business and family visit visas. Saudi authorities have taken this step to prevent individuals from trying to perform Hajj without proper registration.
Officials have stated that many foreign nationals have been entering the country on Umrah or visit visas and then overstaying illegally to participate in the Hajj without official authorization.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has instructed authorities to enforce stricter visa regulations to guarantee the smooth and secure conduct of the Hajj pilgrimage. As part of this initiative, foreign nationals will be allowed to apply for Umrah visas only until April 13.
After this deadline, no new Umrah visas will be issued until Hajj ends.
The 14 countries impacted by this ban are – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and one additional country that has not been clearly identified in reports.
This measure follows the tragic events of 2024, where over 1,000 people lost their lives during Hajj, many of whom were unauthorized pilgrims.
Overcrowding and extreme heat made the situation worse.
Saudi authorities believe that restricting unregistered pilgrims from participating in Hajj will help reduce risks and protect lives.
