Saudi Arabia imposes visa ban on 13 countries including India ahead of hajj
PTC News Desk: Ahead of the haj season, Saudi Arab government has imposed a temporary ban on 13countries including India.
According to the reports, the suspension applies to Umrah, business and family visit visas which likely to be lifted in mid-June. Meanwhile Saudi authorities confirmed that Umrah visa holders will be allowed entry into the country until April 13.
The ban has been imposed on following countries:
India
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Egypt
Indonesia
Iraq
Nigeria
Jordan
Algeria
Sudan
Ethiopia
Tunasia
Yemen
The authorities in Saudi Arabia have cited many reasons with security concerns among key reason for imposing ban. An alarming concern over unauthorised attempts to perform Hajj. In the past, individuals have used multiple-entry visas to enter Saudi Arabia and then stayed illegally until the Hajj season to perform the pilgrimage. This has led to overcrowding and security risks.
According to sources, anyone who remains in Saudi Arabia illegally, despite the restriction, may face a five-year entry ban in the future.
- PTC NEWS
