Is Saudi Arabia Really Suspending Visa Issuance?

New Delhi, June 9 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has labeled reports circulating in the media regarding Saudi Arabia's suspension of block work visas for citizens from 14 nations, including India, as “false”. The MEA emphasized that the Saudi government has not issued any formal notification concerning this issue.

“This CLAIM is FALSE. FACT: The Saudi Government has not issued any notification on this matter. As a standard practice during the Haj season, there are temporary restrictions on short-term visas to manage overcrowding, which conclude with the end of Haj,” the official FactCheck account of the MEA posted on X.

Earlier today, foreign policy analysts refuted claims made by opposition leaders about the halt in Saudi visas, asserting that this “temporary decision” would not jeopardize the robust ties between both nations.

Sources within the government clarified that the temporary suspension of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for 14 countries, including India, from April to June 2025, is aimed at managing the significant crowds during the Haj season to ensure safety.

“The suspension is based on logistical, not political, reasons as restrictions have been put in place to avoid overcrowding during the Haj season,” stated an official.

Saudi authorities, who maintain strict control over Haj, have indicated that multiple-entry visas were being misused. Some travelers entered the country on long-term visas but overstayed for work or performed Haj without proper authorization.

The issue of overcrowding has escalated, particularly with unauthorized pilgrims utilizing long-term visit visas to bypass restrictions. This concern became critical in June 2024 when over 1300 pilgrims lost their lives due to overcrowding and extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 50 degrees Celsius. Saudi authorities believe unregistered pilgrims played a substantial role in this crisis, necessitating stricter visa regulations. By limiting travel to single-entry visas, the Saudi government aims to ensure that only authorized pilgrims participate in the Haj, thereby minimizing risks linked to unregulated attendance.

While this suspension is considered a temporary measure, no specific timeline has been provided for reassessment. The Saudi government will evaluate the impact before making further decisions.

Despite these temporary limitations, the Saudi government remains committed to enhancing tourism relations with India under the Vision 2030 initiative. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached USD $43.36 billion in FY-2023-24. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit, India and Saudi Arabia finalized agreements worth USD $100 billion in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, security, and innovation, thereby bolstering bilateral trade and investment.

As India’s fifth-largest trading partner, Saudi Arabia continues to navigate its economic priorities amid global market fluctuations and energy realignments.