Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — In a significant move ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of several types of visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Pakistan, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, and Egypt. The decision, announced by officials speaking to local and regional media, is intended to manage the flow of pilgrims and prevent unauthorized participation in the Hajj.
The visa suspension applies to Umrah, business, and family visit visas, and is aimed at addressing concerns over overcrowding and security during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Controlling Unauthorized Hajj Attendance
According to Saudi officials, the temporary visa halt is part of a broader strategy to ensure that all pilgrims participating in the Hajj have registered through official channels. In recent years, authorities have reported a growing trend of individuals using non-Hajj visas to enter the Kingdom and then overstaying to perform the pilgrimage without proper authorization.
“This causes serious logistical challenges and increases the risk to public safety,” an official noted, adding that large numbers of unregistered pilgrims have contributed to overcrowding in holy sites such as Mina, Arafat, and the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
Labor Market and Visa Violations Also Cited
Saudi authorities also cited concerns about visitors entering the country on business or family visit visas and then engaging in unauthorized labor. This not only undermines the integrity of the visa system but also disrupts the local job market, according to the Ministry of Interior.
“The Kingdom is committed to ensuring that visa regulations are respected and that visitors comply with the stated purpose of their entry,” the ministry said in a statement.
Countries Affected
While the full list of affected countries has not been officially published, reports indicate that citizens from Pakistan, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, Syria, Sudan, and several others are subject to the temporary visa suspension. The policy is expected to remain in effect until after the Hajj season concludes in late June 2025.
Streamlining Pilgrimage Logistics
The Saudi government has continued to modernize and streamline Hajj logistics through a mandatory electronic registration system that allocates quotas and ensures proper crowd control. By suspending certain visa categories, officials hope to reduce the number of unregistered pilgrims and facilitate a safer and more organized pilgrimage.
Hajj 2025 Expected to Draw Millions
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of Muslims from around the world each year. The 2025 pilgrimage is expected to host over 2 million registered pilgrims. In preparation, Saudi authorities have been investing heavily in infrastructure, health services, and digital systems to manage the massive influx of visitors.
Officials emphasized that the visa suspension is a temporary administrative measure and does not reflect any political considerations. Normal visa services are expected to resume following the completion of the Hajj season.
