Saudi Arabia has tightened visa rules impacting visitors from 14 countries in an attempt to improve the safety and organisation of the yearly Hajj pilgrimage. Effective February 1, 2025, the new policy seeks to stop people from arriving the Kingdom on visit visas and then trying to do Hajj without appropriate permission.
Reason Behind the Decision
According to the Saudi government, some visitors enter the Kingdom with long-term visit visas then overstay to complete the Hajj without appropriate permission. During the trip, this habit has helped to cause safety issues and crowding. Over 1,300 pilgrims died in 2024; 83% of these deaths involved illegal people suffering high heat without enough help. +3: The Financial Express
Saudi Arabia wants to guarantee that only registered pilgrims, who have followed correct procedures, take part in Hajj by imposing these visa limits. All pilgrims should thus expect this move to improve their general experience, comfort, and safety.
Affected Countries
The following 14 countries are subject to the new visa restrictions:
- Algeria
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
Compliance and Enforcement
Visit visa holders are not allowed to enter or remain in Makkah during the Hajj season unless they have a valid Hajj visa, authorities of appliance and enforcement have made plain. Those who violate this rule will pay fines compliant with Saudi legislation.
Those from the impacted nations intending to visit Saudi Arabia for other reasons than the Hajj should pay close attention to the new visa rules. Those planning the Hajj should make sure they get the suitable Hajj visa via official channels to prevent any issues. 🌟
These legislative developments highlight Saudi Arabia’s will to uphold the dignity and security of the Hajj pilgrimage, therefore guaranteeing that it will always be a spiritually transforming event for all Muslims around.