Saudi Arabia freezes visas for 14 countries, including India: Reasons, timeline and who remain unaffected

Pilgrims leave after offering prayers outside at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia - File Photo

In a move that has stirred widespread concern across South and Southeast Asia, Saudi Arabia has temporarily banned visa issuance for 14 countries, including India, ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. The ban is applicable on Umrah, business and family visit visas and is effective until mid-June 2025, till the conclusion of Hajj pilgrimage.

The countries in the list are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco.

Why has Saudi Arabia banned visas?

The official reason cited by Saudi authorities for the decision is that it is aimed at preventing unauthorised Hajj participation by foreign nationals who might enter on visit or Umrah visas and overstay to perform Hajj without formal registration. This has become a growing issue over the years.

In 2024, more than 1,000 people—many unregistered pilgrims—died during Hajj, largely due to overcrowding, extreme heat, and lack of coordination. Unregistered pilgrims often lack access to basic amenities like organized accommodation, transportation, and healthcare, making them particularly vulnerable during the demanding pilgrimage.

Why India is on the list?

While several countries with large Muslim populations were added to the list for similar reasons, India’s inclusion is directly related to the issue of unauthorized Hajj participation.

Reports suggest that Saudi authorities have observed instances of Indian nationals entering Saudi on Umrah or visit visas and subsequently attempting to perform Hajj without proper registration through the official Hajj Committee of India. This circumvents the established quota system for Indian pilgrims.

Since India dispatches one of the largest groups of Hajj pilgrims each year (more than 175,000 in 2024), the presence of unregistered individuals from India presents significant crowd-management issues for Saudi authorities.

The Hajj Committee of India is the official organization tasked with overseeing and facilitating the pilgrimage for Indian Muslims, making certain that pilgrims receive the required permits, housing, transport, and healthcare. Those who try to undertake Hajj through unofficial routes add to the congestion and logistical issues that Saudi Arabia is working to manage.

Details of visa ban and penalties

• Final Entry Date: Holders of existing Umrah visas must enter the Kingdom by April 13, 2025.

• Suspension Period: Visa services will remain halted until Hajj concludes in mid-June 2025.

• Visa Types Affected: Umrah, tourist, family visit, and business visas. Hajj visas (through official channels) remain unaffected.

To deter illegal entry and fake Hajj participation:

• Fines up to SAR 1 million (₹2.3 crore)

• Jail up to 15 years

• Seizure of vehicles or properties used in facilitating illegal stays

Saudi Arabia has already detained more than 18,000 violators in recent weeks, further signaling its intent to enforce this seriously.

What remains unaffected

It is important to note which types of travel remain unaffected by this temporary restriction:

Hajj-Specific Visas: People who have applied for and obtained visas specifically for the Hajj pilgrimage through official channels can continue with their arrangements.

Diplomatic Visas: Diplomatic travel between India and Saudi Arabia will proceed as normal.

Residency Permits (Iqama Holders): Indian citizens who hold legal residency (Iqama) in Saudi Arabia will not be affected by this visa suspension when returning to the Kingdom.

Likely impact on India

Many Indian Muslims planning to perform Umrah in the weeks before Hajj will have to cancel or reschedule their trips. Also, India’s travel and religious tourism sector, including tour operators in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala, will face significant losses due to cancellations.

Those who fall under the purview of the visa ban will have to: wait until the visa suspension lifts in June; avoid booking Umrah or tourist trips to Saudi Arabia before that; rely on official Hajj quota if planning the pilgrimage.