To prevent unregistered pilgrims from participating in Hajj, Saudi Arabia has temporarily banned visas from 14 countries, including India and Pakistan.
This restriction may remain in place until mid-June and also affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas.
Saudi authorities have stated that pilgrims holding Umrah visas must arrive in the country by April 13. This year, the Hajj pilgrimage will take place from June 4 to June 9.
Travelers are advised to follow the new rules strictly. Anyone found violating these rules could be banned from entering Saudi Arabia for the next five years.
Why Saudi Arabia Canceled Certain Visas
Preventing illegal Hajj participation:
Many people enter Saudi Arabia using Umrah or visit visas and overstay illegally to join the Hajj without registering.
This creates crowd control issues for officials, especially as unregistered pilgrims can’t be accounted for.
The large and sudden influx also increases the risk of heat-related health problems.
Foreigners working illegally:
Some individuals misuse business or family visit visas to work illegally in Saudi Arabia. This violates visa rules and causes imbalances in the local labor market.
Deaths due to overcrowding in 2024:
During the 2024 Hajj (June 14–29), at least 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and overcrowding.
Among them were 98 Indians. This tragedy has influenced stricter visa controls.
Hajj Quota and Registration Details
Saudi Arabia follows a quota system for Hajj pilgrims from each country. Indonesia has the highest quota, followed by Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.
Pilgrims from countries like Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Ethiopia also attend.
For 2025, India and Saudi Arabia signed a Haj agreement allowing 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims:
70% of this quota is for the Central Haj Committee
30% is for private tour operators
Online registration in India was open from August 13 to September 9, 2024.
Last year, 1,75,000 Indian pilgrims went to Mecca. Sadly, 98 of them died due to heat and overcrowding.
Umrah Visa Deadline and Saudi’s Clarification
The last date for Umrah visa issuance is April 13, 2025. After that, citizens from the 14 affected countries won’t receive new visas until the end of the Hajj.
Saudi authorities emphasized that this decision is not political. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed officials to tighten the visa process for safety and better management.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that the move is aimed only at organizing a safer Hajj.
Challenges Due to Unregistered Pilgrims and Climate Change
Thousands of people attempt to perform Hajj without proper registration or visas. Many use unauthorized routes due to financial constraints. In 2023, around 240 pilgrims died—most from Indonesia.
Officials say climate change is also affecting Mecca, with temperatures rising by 0.4°C every decade, making it harder for pilgrims to cope with the heat.
Hajj: A Core Pillar of Islam
Hajj is one of Islam’s five main obligations. Every Muslim is expected to perform it at least once in their life if able.
The tradition began in 628 AD when Prophet Muhammad journeyed with 1,400 companions. It revived the path of Prophet Ibrahim and became the first official pilgrimage.
Pilgrims usually arrive in Jeddah, then travel by bus to Mecca. The pilgrimage lasts five days and ends with Eid ul Azha (Bakrid).
