New Delhi: Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India. The suspension will continue until mid-June, when the Hajj season ends. According to this, it has been announced that no business, Umrah and family visas will be issued to citizens of these countries. Visas from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Algeria, Sudan, Jordan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco have been temporarily suspended.
The move is to prevent individuals from performing Hajj without proper registration. Currently, Umrah visa holders can enter Saudi Arabia until April 13. Reports say that foreigners who come on Umrah and visit visas often participate in Hajj illegally without proper registration.
This will increase the crowding and heat. 1200 pilgrims were killed in the Hajj from 2-24. Saudi Arabia allocates specific Hajj slots to each country. This allows it to control the number of pilgrims. The influx of people is caused by the arrival of some people illegally.
It is believed that the visa ban will also prevent some people who arrive on business and family visas from working illegally in Saudi Arabia.
Those who violate the order will be banned from entering the country for 5 years. At the same time, there will be no change in diplomatic visas and residency permits. This year’s Hajj is from June 4 to 9.
