Will Indians Be Able to Perform Hajj This Year? Saudi Arabia Visa Ban Raises Questions, Check Here

Saudi Arabia Visa Ban: Several media houses have recently reported that Saudi Arabia has imposed a visa ban on 14 countries, including India. This development has sparked concern among Indian Muslims about their participation in Hajj 2025. While reports suggest a temporary suspension of visas, many pressing questions have emerged — Why has Saudi Arabia implemented this visa ban? Who is affected? And most importantly, will Indian Muslims still be able to perform Hajj this year?

In this article, we break down all the key aspects of the Saudi Arabia visa ban, its impact on unregistered pilgrims, and what it means for those preparing for Hajj 2025.

Why Did Saudi Arabia Put a Visa Ban on 14 Countries?

The Saudi Arabia visa ban is a temporary move affecting 14 nations, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This step was taken primarily to curb the growing issue of unregistered pilgrims entering the country through Umrah or visit visas to perform Hajj illegally.

In previous years, Saudi authorities noted a surge in pilgrims bypassing official procedures, resulting in overcrowding and mismanagement during Hajj. The 2024 pilgrimage witnessed the tragic death of over 1,200 people due to extreme heat and lack of control. These events pushed the Saudi government to act decisively to prevent repeat situations during Hajj 2025.

As per the current order, Umrah, business and family visit visas for the affected countries will remain suspended until mid-June 2025, coinciding with the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. However, those already holding valid Umrah visas can still travel to Saudi Arabia until April 13.

Who Is Affected by Saudi Arabia’s Temporary Visa Ban?

The people most affected by the Saudi Arabia visa ban fall into three primary categories:

• Umrah pilgrims
• Visitors on family visit visas
• Business travelers

Saudi authorities found that many individuals were using short-term visas to illegally participate in Hajj, avoiding proper registration under the country’s quota system. This misuse contributes to overcrowding and undermines the safety protocols in place for the massive annual gathering.

Additionally, some visa holders were discovered working illegally, violating Saudi immigration rules and creating disturbances in the local job market.

It’s important to note that Saudi officials have stressed this ban is not politically motivated. Instead, it’s a preventive measure to ensure safety, planning and proper organisation during Hajj 2025. Those who violate the current restrictions may face a five-year entry ban into the Kingdom.

Will Indian Muslims Be Able to Perform Hajj in 2025?

Yes, despite the current Saudi Arabia visa ban, Indian Muslims who have applied through official channels will be able to perform Hajj in 2025.

The restrictions apply only to Umrah, business, and visit visas, not to Hajj visas, residency permits, or diplomatic visas. Therefore, pilgrims holding valid Hajj permits need not worry.

Under the Haj Agreement 2025 signed between India and Saudi Arabia in January this year, a total of 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims are allowed to attend the pilgrimage. Out of these, 1,40,020 seats have been allocated to the Haj Committee of India, with a strong focus on supporting first-time pilgrims.

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place between June 4 and June 9, 2025. Thus, while certain visa categories are temporarily banned, Indian pilgrims with authorised Hajj documentation remain unaffected and can proceed with their sacred journey.