Saudi Arabia Resumes Visa Issuance for India and 14 More Countries After the Hajj 2025
Following the smooth conclusion of Hajj 2025. Saudi Arabia has officially lifted its short-term visa restrictions for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Indonesia. Travelers can now apply once again for Saudi visas, visas from India, family visit permits, Saudi Family Visit Visa , Saudi Business Visa and even Saudi tourist visas. These limitations were only temporary, put in place to manage crowds and control last-minute arrivals during the peak Hajj season. However, Work visas under the Block Visa system remain suspended for select countries.
What Led to the Visa Suspension?
The suspension, starting in April 2025, focused on short-term visas like:
• Umrah Visas
• Saudi Business Visit Visas
• Saudi Family Visit Visas
• Saudi Tourist Visas (in selective cases)
These short-term borders aim to prevent persons from misusing visas, such as entering Mecca on a Saudi business visa or other non-Hajj permits without proper authorization. Saudi officials explained that this measure is crucial for public safety, especially since past events saw unregistered visitors suffering from risky heat and limited access to basic facilities. Anyone applying for a Saudi visa, including a Saudi visa for Indians, is strongly advised to follow the official guidelines during the Hajj season.
Impacted Nations
The ban affected people from these 14 countries:
• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Nigeria
• Jordan
• Algeria
• Sudan
• Ethiopia
• Tunisia
• Yemen
• Morocco
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah worked to make the journey safer and more organized by controlling the number of visitors before Hajj.
Work Visa Suspension Continues for 14 Countries
The short-term visa ban has now been lifted, offering some relief to travelers. However, a stricter quantity remains in place. The Block Work Visa ban is still active. Saudi Arabia continues to withhold new Block Work Visas for 14 countries, affecting foreign companies that rely on this route to bring workers into the Kingdom. This move appears to be part of a broader strategy to restructure labour inflows. While options like the Saudi tourist visa, family visa, and Saudi visa for Indian nationals remain accessible. The ongoing restriction on work visas signals a shift in the country’s visa priorities.
• Curb irregular migration
• Combat visa misuse
• Strengthen national employment initiatives
During this pause. Companies in these countries can't ask for new work visa slots under the Block Visa system.
Clear Visa Overstay Warnings: Avoid Fines
With many visitors arriving. Saudi officials gave a strong warning about severe sentences for staying past visa limits. All Umrah visas for Indian holders must leave Mecca by April 29 to avoid trouble. Penalties for breaking visa rules are big and include:
• Deportation: After finishing any jail time. • Fines: Up to SAR 50,000 (about USD 13,000). • Jail: Up to 6 months.
These tough rules apply the same to both Umrah and regular visit visa holders who don't leave the Kingdom by their set departure dates.
Indian People Joining Hajj 2025
In 2025 close to 175,000 Muslims from India performed the holy Hajj journey, with around 120,000 visitors traveling under the guidance of the official Hajj Committee of India. According to Saudi authorities. The Kingdom welcomed over 1.6 million pilgrims from more than 150 countries. As the demand for Hajj and Umrah continues to grow, interest in options like the Saudi visit visa and other types of visas for Saudi travel has also seen an important rise among international visitors. The smooth experience was credited to upgraded services, advanced technology, and added care for pilgrims. Many international visitors, including those outside the Hajj framework, also benefited from easier access through the Saudi visit visa and e visa systems.
Hajj 2026 Preparations Underway
Saudi Arabia has already kicked off preparations for Hajj 2026, with Hajj offices in multiple countries receiving early planning materials to help streamline next year’s journey. The goal is to enhance the overall visitor experience by using smart technology, expanding medical support, and improving the Saudi visa service. By fast-tracking the visa for Saudi, authorities aim to make the entire process smoother and more efficient, ensuring visitors receive timely support under the evolving Saudi visa system.
For many travelers. Especially those applying for a Saudi visa from India. The new measures, such as the introduction of faster e-visa systems and basic processes for the Saudi family visa promise a smoother and more suitable journey.
Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. The Hajj and Umrah Minister said the Kingdom is working hard to ensure future journeys are 'safe, easy, and meaningful for all.
Conclusion
The easing of short-term visa restrictions is welcome news for families and business travelers planning a trip to Saudi Arabia. For those seeking a Saudi visa from India, especially through the e-visa process. This update brings added ease. However, the continual suspension of Block Work Visas remains a key concern, mainly for industries and job seekers in affected regions. Anyone applying for a Saudi visa for Indian nationals. Whether for Umrah or employment, it is strongly advised to check the latest supplies through official Saudi migration platforms or authorized agencies before deciding travel plans.
Choose a Visa for Umrah, Tourist, Business and Family Visit Visa
Saudi Arabia Resumes Visa Issuance for India and 14 More Countries After the Hajj 2025
Following the smooth conclusion of Hajj 2025. Saudi Arabia has officially lifted its short-term visa restrictions for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Indonesia. Travelers can now apply once again for Saudi visas, visas from India, family visit permits, Saudi Family Visit Visa , Saudi Business Visa and even Saudi tourist visas. These limitations were only temporary, put in place to manage crowds and control last-minute arrivals during the peak Hajj season. However, Work visas under the Block Visa system remain suspended for select countries.
What Led to the Visa Suspension?
The suspension, starting in April 2025, focused on short-term visas like:
• Umrah Visas
• Saudi Business Visit Visas
• Saudi Family Visit Visas
• Saudi Tourist Visas (in selective cases)
These short-term borders aim to prevent persons from misusing visas, such as entering Mecca on a Saudi business visa or other non-Hajj permits without proper authorization. Saudi officials explained that this measure is crucial for public safety, especially since past events saw unregistered visitors suffering from risky heat and limited access to basic facilities. Anyone applying for a Saudi visa, including a Saudi visa for Indians, is strongly advised to follow the official guidelines during the Hajj season.
Impacted Nations
The ban affected people from these 14 countries:
• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Nigeria
• Jordan
• Algeria
• Sudan
• Ethiopia
• Tunisia
• Yemen
• Morocco
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah worked to make the journey safer and more organized by controlling the number of visitors before Hajj.
Work Visa Suspension Continues for 14 Countries
The short-term visa ban has now been lifted, offering some relief to travelers. However, a stricter quantity remains in place. The Block Work Visa ban is still active. Saudi Arabia continues to withhold new Block Work Visas for 14 countries, affecting foreign companies that rely on this route to bring workers into the Kingdom. This move appears to be part of a broader strategy to restructure labour inflows. While options like the Saudi tourist visa, family visa, and Saudi visa for Indian nationals remain accessible. The ongoing restriction on work visas signals a shift in the country’s visa priorities.
• Curb irregular migration
• Combat visa misuse
• Strengthen national employment initiatives
During this pause. Companies in these countries can't ask for new work visa slots under the Block Visa system.
Clear Visa Overstay Warnings: Avoid Fines
With many visitors arriving. Saudi officials gave a strong warning about severe sentences for staying past visa limits. All Umrah visas for Indian holders must leave Mecca by April 29 to avoid trouble. Penalties for breaking visa rules are big and include:
• Deportation: After finishing any jail time.
• Fines: Up to SAR 50,000 (about USD 13,000).
• Jail: Up to 6 months.
These tough rules apply the same to both Umrah and regular visit visa holders who don't leave the Kingdom by their set departure dates.
Indian People Joining Hajj 2025
In 2025 close to 175,000 Muslims from India performed the holy Hajj journey, with around 120,000 visitors traveling under the guidance of the official Hajj Committee of India. According to Saudi authorities. The Kingdom welcomed over 1.6 million pilgrims from more than 150 countries. As the demand for Hajj and Umrah continues to grow, interest in options like the Saudi visit visa and other types of visas for Saudi travel has also seen an important rise among international visitors. The smooth experience was credited to upgraded services, advanced technology, and added care for pilgrims. Many international visitors, including those outside the Hajj framework, also benefited from easier access through the Saudi visit visa and e visa systems.
Hajj 2026 Preparations Underway
Saudi Arabia has already kicked off preparations for Hajj 2026, with Hajj offices in multiple countries receiving early planning materials to help streamline next year’s journey. The goal is to enhance the overall visitor experience by using smart technology, expanding medical support, and improving the Saudi visa service. By fast-tracking the visa for Saudi, authorities aim to make the entire process smoother and more efficient, ensuring visitors receive timely support under the evolving Saudi visa system.
For many travelers. Especially those applying for a Saudi visa from India. The new measures, such as the introduction of faster e-visa systems and basic processes for the Saudi family visa promise a smoother and more suitable journey.
Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. The Hajj and Umrah Minister said the Kingdom is working hard to ensure future journeys are 'safe, easy, and meaningful for all.
Conclusion
The easing of short-term visa restrictions is welcome news for families and business travelers planning a trip to Saudi Arabia. For those seeking a Saudi visa from India, especially through the e-visa process. This update brings added ease. However, the continual suspension of Block Work Visas remains a key concern, mainly for industries and job seekers in affected regions. Anyone applying for a Saudi visa for Indian nationals. Whether for Umrah or employment, it is strongly advised to check the latest supplies through official Saudi migration platforms or authorized agencies before deciding travel plans.
Choose a Visa for Umrah, Tourist, Business and Family Visit Visa
1. Saudi Arabia
2. Dubai
3. Bahrain
4. Iraq
5. Turkey
6. Oman