No travel restrictions for Indians to Saudi Arabia, only temporary visa curbs for Hajj season: Report

The clarification came after some reports claimed that the Saudi government has put restrictions on Indians travelling to that country.

Reports about any bar on Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia are incorrect, government sources said on Monday.

The Saudi government has not issued any notification on this matter, sources confirmed as reported ny news agency ANI. As clarified by official sources, during the Hajj season, temporary restrictions on short-term visas are implemented to regulate the flow of pilgrims and avoid overcrowding- a standard measure that ends with the conclusion of Hajj

The Saudi government has not issued any notification on this matter, they said. The clarification came after some reports claimed that the Saudi government has put restrictions on Indians travelling to that country.”As a matter of practice, during the Hajj season, there are temporary restrictions on short-term visas to avoid overcrowding during this season, which end with the conclusion of Hajj,” a source said.

Meanwhile the Indian Embassy wrote on X, "Indian pilgrims join millions of other pilgrims today at Arafat to perform Wuquf-e-Arafat, the core ritual of Haj."

Sharing updates from the ground, Consul General Fahad Suri extended greetings in a video message and confirmed that all Indian pilgrims had arrived safely in Arafat, highlighting the coordinated efforts between the Indian Hajj Mission and Saudi authorities to ensure safe and smooth travel, stay, and onward movements of pilgrims.

He appreciated the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and associated service providers for their tireless support and extended wishes for a blessed Eid-ul-Adha and a successful Hajj for all pilgrims.

These developments reflect the strong India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations, grounded in centuriesold economic and cultural ties. The annual Hajj
pilgrimage serves as a key aspect of this deep-rooted connection.

*With Agency Inputs