The temporary ban has reportedly taken place to prevent individuals from trying to perform Hajj without proper registration [GETTY]
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended several types of visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Egypt, as it prepares for the upcoming Hajj season.
According to officials speaking to ARY News, the suspension of Umrah, business, and family visit visas is aimed at preventing unregistered individuals from attempting to perform the pilgrimage.
In recent years, many pilgrims have overstayed their visas to join Hajj without official permits, contributing to overcrowding and raising safety concerns.
Authorities also cited concerns over individuals entering the country on business or family visas and then working illegally, a violation that disrupts the labour market and breaches visa conditions.
The Saudi foreign ministry said the measures were intended to streamline travel procedures and enhance safety during Hajj. Individuals found to be staying in the Kingdom illegally may face a five-year entry ban.
Countries affected by the ban are: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
Officials confirmed to ARY News that Umrah visa holders can still enter the Kingdom until 13 April. The suspension is expected to remain in place until mid-June, when the pilgrimage concludes.
More than 1,000 dead during 2024 Hajj
During the 2024 Hajj season, at least 1,301 pilgrims died – most from heat-related causes. The majority of the deceased did not hold official Hajj permits.
Saudi officials reported that around 400,000 unregistered pilgrims participated in the pilgrimage, with a significant number coming from Egypt.
Each country receives a limited number of Hajj permits under a quota system and distributes them through a lottery. However, due to the high cost of official packages, many people attempt the pilgrimage without permits.
Unregistered pilgrims often do not have access to critical amenities such as air-conditioned tents, hospitals, or ambulance services – making an already physically demanding pilgrimage even more dangerous.
