Islamabad/Riyadh: In an unexpected turn of events, Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary ban on the visas of 14 countries before the 2025 Hajj programme, one of which is Pakistan.
The KSA announced new travel restrictions targeting nationals from 14 countries including Pakistan, according to ARY News.
As per the news agency, the visa ban will apply to Umrah, business and family visas.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also clarified that individuals from the listed countries who currently hold valid short-term visas for Saudi Arabia may continue to travel to or remain in the Kingdom only until April 13, 2025.
After this date, all such visa holders must exit the country. Entry will not be permitted beyond the deadline, regardless of the visa’s validity period, said the sources.
Additionally, failure to comply with the exit deadline may result in a five-year ban from entering the Kingdom, the orders stated.
It also mentioned that Pakistani Umrah visa holders have been instructed to return to their country by April 29.
The reasons for the revised travel plans have not yet been disclosed by Saudi Arabia as of now.
Meanwhile, separately, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has approved the Hajj flight schedule. Under the government Hajj scheme, 89,000 pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj through five airlines.
UNI
