Saudi Arabia Suspends Visas for Nigeria and 13 Other Countries Ahead of Hajj Season

Saudi Arabia Suspends Visas for Nigeria and 13 Other Countries Ahead of Hajj Season

Ahead of the 2024 Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, India, and Pakistan. The move aims to prevent unregistered individuals from entering the Kingdom to perform Hajj without the necessary permits.

This decision follows the 2024 incident in which over 400,000 unregistered pilgrims joined the Hajj, resulting in overcrowding, safety risks, and 1,301 deaths, many due to heat-related causes. Authorities are also tackling the misuse of visit and business visas, where individuals overstayed or worked illegally, violating Saudi laws and straining local infrastructure.

The Saudi foreign ministry explained that the suspension is meant to "enhance safety and streamline travel" during the Hajj period. Individuals found violating visa rules may face a 5-year entry ban. The countries affected include Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.

Umrah visa holders will still be allowed entry until April 13, after which the suspension will remain in effect until mid-June when the Hajj pilgrimage concludes. With a limited Hajj quota for each country, some individuals attempt to bypass official channels due to the high cost of authorized packages, but unregistered pilgrims often face denial