Visa Rules in Saudi Arabia Change for 14 Countries, Including Pakistan
Saudi Arabia Suspends Multiple-Entry Visas for 14 Countries
Saudi Arabia has made a profound change in the visa policy and it affected 14 countries, including Pakistan. The major change is that the multiple-entry visa gets indefinitely canceled for allowing citizens from these countries to apply for a single-entry visa only.
Reason Behind New Visa Category
From February 1, in the year 2025, it’s going to be effective because of unauthorized participation in Hajj. Some of those people, by holding multiple-entry visas, are reported to join the Hajj by overstaying. It has also led to overcrowding in Mecca; this measure is going to help improve crowd management as well as facilities for real pilgrims.
Which Countries Have Been Affected Due to New Rules:
Restriction has been imposed on the citizens of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. From now onwards, these individuals will be able to apply only for single-entry visas probably valued at 30 days.
Exceptions and their Temporariness
Visas issued for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residential purposes are exempt from the ban. No specific timeline has been provided for reinstating the multiple-entry visas; however, officials have stated that the suspension is temporary.
Stricter Rules After Hajj Incidents
Millions of Muslims travel to Mecca annually to perform Hajj. Each Muslim country is given a specific quota for pilgrims. Last year there was a terrible stampede and more than 1200 pilgrims died due to the extreme heat and over-crowding most of whom were in the country illegally. As a result of the tragedies, the Saudi authorities plan to enforce more stringent rules and conditions to safeguard the pilgrims and enhance crowd management.