Saudi Arabia Suspends Short-Term Visas for 14 Countries Ahead of Hajj 2025 – Includes India and Pakistan

In a significant move ahead of the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage, the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of short-term visas for citizens from 14 countries, including major labor-exporting nations such as India, Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

According to the announcement by Saudi authorities, the suspension will take effect starting April 13, 2025, and will impact the following visa categories:

• Business Visit Visas (Single and Multiple Entry)
• e-Tourist Visas
• Family Visit Visas

Affected Countries:

• India
• Pakistan
• Egypt
• Bangladesh
• Indonesia
• Yemen
• Tunisia
• Morocco
• Jordan
• Nigeria
• Algeria
• Iraq
• Sudan
• Libya

Travelers who currently hold valid short-term visas from these countries may still enter Saudi Arabia until April 13, 2025, but are required to exit the Kingdom no later than April 29, 2025.

Why the Suspension?

The visa suspension comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance coordination, manage crowds, and ensure safety during the Hajj season. The last Hajj witnessed logistical challenges due to a significant influx of visitors entering on non-Hajj-specific visas, leading to overcrowding and strain on infrastructure.

The Saudi government, through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and other agencies, emphasized that this decision is a temporary but necessary measure to streamline pilgrimage operations and prevent misuse of visit visas during this religious period.

What This Means for Recruitment and Manpower Planning

At Royal Manpower Solution, we understand how changes in Saudi Arabia’s visa policies directly impact
manpower supply operations, especially for companies dependent on skilled and semi-skilled labor from the affected countries.
We encourage our clients and partners to:

• Plan ahead for upcoming deployments to Saudi Arabia
• Monitor visa eligibility for workers and travelers
• Avoid scheduling short-term business or family visits within this restriction window

As a trusted manpower supply company serving Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, we are committed to staying updated on immigration developments and helping our clients navigate changing visa regulations effectively.

Stay Informed with Royal Manpower Solution

Our team will continue to provide timely updates and actionable insights on labor mobility, visa news, and workforce trends in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Oman.

Bookmark our blog and follow us for updates on Saudi Arabia visa policy changes, Hajj season regulations,
and other critical developments affecting labor and travel.

For recruitment services or inquiries related to manpower deployment in the Gulf, contact us at
www.royalmanpowersolution.com/blogs