Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for 14 countries, including Pakistan, ahead of the Hajj 2025 season. The visa suspension—confirmed by diplomatic and official sources—is expected to remain in effect until mid-June.
The affected countries include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen. Saudi authorities have communicated the decision officially to the respective governments, including Pakistan, citing regulatory and security concerns.
Deadline for Umrah Visa Holders
While the visa suspension is already in place, individuals holding Umrah visas are still permitted to enter Saudi Arabia until April 13. Specifically for Pakistani pilgrims, authorities have instructed all Umrah visa holders currently in the Kingdom to return by April 29. Failure to comply with the regulation may result in a five-year ban on future entry into Saudi Arabia.
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Reasons Behind the Ban
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cited multiple reasons for the visa restrictions. The foremost concern is unauthorized participation in Hajj. In past years, individuals have used multiple-entry or non-Hajj visas (such as business or family visit visas) to stay in the country and perform Hajj without proper authorization, leading to overcrowding and safety hazards. Another critical issue is the misuse of business and family visas for illegal employment. Saudi authorities reported that several travelers were found engaging in unauthorized work, disrupting the labor market and violating local immigration laws.
Focus on Regulation and Safety
Saudi officials emphasize that the visa suspension is a temporary regulatory measure aimed at managing the flow of pilgrims and ensuring public safety during the Hajj season. The Ministry has reiterated that normal visa operations are expected to resume after mid-June.
Digital Guide for Pilgrims
To assist pilgrims from various countries, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a digital Hajj guide in 16 languages, including Urdu. The guide is available in both audio and PDF formats through the ministry’s official website, offering critical information for performing Hajj correctly and safely.
Pakistan’s Hajj Operations Underway
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has approved the Hajj flight schedule for 2025. Under the government scheme, 89,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel via five airlines. The first Hajj flight is set to depart on April 29, with operations running until May 31.
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The PIA pre-Hajj operation will transport over 56,000 pilgrims via 280 special flights, using Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 aircraft. Return flights will begin on June 12 and continue until July 10. The cost of the 40-day Hajj package has been reduced by Rs25,000, now priced at Rs1,050,000, while the 25-day short package has been lowered by Rs50,000 to Rs1,100,000. Pilgrims must be vaccinated at designated Haji camps 10 days before departure, with the second phase of training commencing April 8.
