In the wake of the Hajj pilgrimage, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has imposed strict travel restrictions on travellers from India and 13 other countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh. The issuance of certain visas to people from these countries has been suspended to curb unauthorised persons from performing Hajj without proper registration. The move was also made to avoid overcrowding during the pilgrimage season that is likely to conclude in the middle of June.

The ban on visas, however, will not affect those travelling from India to Saudi Arabia solely for Hajj. Those who hold valid Hajj visas can enter Mecca and Medina without restriction. The temporary ban on the issuance of Umrah, family and business visit visas for travellers from the 14 countries particularly mentioned is also to stop citizens of those places from overstaying in Mecca to perform Hajj illegally.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has called for stricter visa regulations in this connection. Visit visas or Umrah will be issued to individuals from foreign countries only till April 13.

The countries facing Saudi Arabia’s visa ban are India, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Yemen.

Last year, during the Hajj pilgrimage, over 1,000 people lost their lives in an overcrowded environment. To avoid such tragedies from occurring, these visa rules have been enforced. – illustrative picture by freepik – editor@nrifocus.com