Saudi Arabia Suspends Umrah and Visit Visas for Nigeria, 13 Other Countries Ahead of Hajj

 

• Saudi Arabia has suspended Umrah, business, and family visit visas for Nigeria and 13 other countries ahead of the Hajj season.
• The move aims to curb the influx of unregistered pilgrims and prevent visa misuse, especially for illegal work.
• Nigerians holding valid Umrah visas can enter until April 13, but violators may face a five-year entry ban.

 

Saudi Arabia Temporarily Suspends Umrah, Business, and Family Visit Visas for 14 Countries Including Nigeria

In preparation for the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, and India.

 

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According to ARY News, the decision aims to curb the growing number of unregistered individuals attempting to perform the pilgrimage without official permits. In recent years, this issue has contributed to severe overcrowding and heightened safety concerns, especially during peak pilgrimage periods.

Reports from Arab News indicate that a large number of visitors have overstayed their visas, while others have used business or family visit visas to illegally engage in employment—actions that violate visa conditions and disrupt the local labor market.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry stated that the suspension is part of broader efforts “to streamline travel procedures and enhance safety during Hajj.” It also warned that individuals found residing in the Kingdom without proper documentation may face an entry ban of up to five years.

The affected countries are: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.

 

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Despite the suspension, travelers already holding Umrah visas will be allowed entry into the Kingdom until April 13. The restrictions are expected to remain in effect until mid-June, following the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage.

During the 2024 Hajj, at least 1,301 pilgrims died—primarily due to extreme heat. A significant number of the deceased were unregistered pilgrims, many of whom lacked access to official facilities such as air-conditioned tents, healthcare services, and emergency support.

Saudi authorities revealed that over 400,000 unregistered pilgrims participated in the 2024 Hajj, with Egypt accounting for a notable portion. Due to the high cost of official Hajj packages, many individuals seek unauthorized alternatives, risking their health and safety in the process.

Each country is allotted a limited number of Hajj permits under a quota system, typically distributed via a lottery. Saudi officials continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to official procedures to ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage.

 

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