Saudi Arabia bans visas for 14 countries

The ban comes amid efforts to control overcrowding due to the Hajj pilgrimage,Mint news reported.

According to multiple media reports, the ban will be in force until mid-June, when the Hajj pilgrimage is set to conclude.

Under the new guidelines, Umrah visas, business visit visas and family visit visas have been suspended, according to media reports.

The Saudi Arabia visa ban comes as a disappointment to pilgrims from countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, from where thousands of people take the holy pilgrimage.

India

2. Pakistan

3. Bangladesh

4. Egypt

5. Indonesia

6. Iraq

7. Nigeria

8. Jordan

9. Algeria

10. Sudan

11. Ethiopia

12. Tunisia

13. Yemen

Notably, the decision comes after the tragedy during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, where over 1,000 people were killed in the event. Many of these pilgrims were unauthorised. Overcrowding and extreme heat acted as the catalyst behind the tragedy. Saudi Arabia now believes that a visa ban to restrict illegal visitors will facilitate a smooth Hajj pilgrimage, devoid of such tragedies.