Saudi Arabia Lifts Visa Suspension for 14 Countries Post-Hajj 2025: Key Updates for Travellers & Agents

Saudi Arabia Lifts Visa Suspension for 14 Countries Post-Hajj 2025: Key Updates for Travellers & Agents

The successful completion of Hajj 2025 has brought major changes to Saudi Arabia’s visa regulations. As part of its phased post-Hajj normalisation, Saudi Arabia has officially lifted the temporary suspension of short-term visas for travellers from 14 countries, including India. This critical development reopens opportunities for Umrah, family visits, business travel, and tourism.

At the same time, Saudi authorities have chosen to maintain the suspension on Block Work Visas for these nations, signalling a mixed approach in managing both religious and labour mobility.

Why the Visa Suspension Was Imposed

Earlier this year, in April 2025, Saudi Arabia temporarily halted the issuance of certain visa categories to prevent unauthorised pilgrimages during the peak Hajj period. The suspension targeted:

• Umrah Visas

• Business Visit Visas

• Family Visit Visas

• Select Tourist Visas

The government acted following concerns over unregistered pilgrims entering Mecca without proper Hajj permits, which had previously resulted in heat-related fatalities and severe overcrowding during earlier pilgrimage seasons.

List of Countries Affected by Suspension

The temporary restrictions impacted travellers from the following 14 nations:

• India

• Pakistan

• Bangladesh

• Egypt

• Indonesia

• Iraq

• Nigeria

• Jordan

• Algeria

• Sudan

• Ethiopia

• Tunisia

• Yemen

• Morocco

By imposing these measures, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah aimed to prioritise safety, manage crowd flows, and improve the overall experience for authorised pilgrims.

Block Work Visa Ban Remains in Force

While short-term visas have resumed, Saudi Arabia has extended its ongoing Block Work Visa ban for these same countries. This policy prevents companies from applying for new foreign labour quotas under the Block Visa system.

Saudi Arabia’s broader labour policy objectives behind the Block Work Visa ban include:

• Curbing illegal labour migration

• Preventing systemic misuse of employment visas

• Supporting Saudi national employment programs under Vision 2030 reforms

For businesses and recruitment agencies across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other affected nations, this ongoing freeze presents operational challenges in mobilising manpower to the Kingdom.

Strict Penalties for Visa Overstays

Saudi Arabia continues to enforce strict penalties for individuals overstaying Umrah or visit visas:

• Deportation after legal sentencing

• Fines up to SAR 50,000 (approx. USD 13,000)

• Imprisonment for up to 6 months

To avoid severe consequences, travellers are strongly advised to exit the Kingdom by their visa expiration date.

India’s Hajj 2025 Participation: Record Numbers

India recorded strong participation during Hajj 2025, with over 175,000 Indian pilgrims performing the pilgrimage this year. Among them:

• 1.2 lakh travelled through the Hajj Committee of India (under government quota)

• Over 50,000 participated via private tour operators

Saudi Arabia, overall, welcomed approximately 1.6 million pilgrims from more than 150 countries, aided by enhanced healthcare services, upgraded emergency facilities, and digital visa processing tools.

Saudi Arabia’s Early Preparations for Hajj 2026

Planning for Hajj 2026 has already commenced. Saudi officials are prioritising:

• Advanced e-visa processing systems

• Expanded healthcare infrastructure

• Wider technology adoption to streamline pilgrim movement

• Increased international collaboration with global Hajj office

According to Dr. Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, the Kingdom remains committed to making future Hajj seasons "safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching."

Implications for Indian Travel Industry & B2B Agents

The reopening of short-term visa categories creates renewed opportunities for Indian travel agents, Umrah facilitators, and corporate travel professionals:

◉ Increased Umrah package bookings
◉ Resumption of family visit travel segments
◉ New possibilities for business delegations and trade missions

However, the continued suspension of Block Work Visas warrants caution for manpower agencies, recruitment firms, and corporate HR teams seeking Saudi labour market access.

Advisory for Travellers & Agencies

Both individual travellers and B2B agencies should:

• Verify visa eligibility before booking

• Work exclusively with authorised Saudi travel partners

• Monitor updates from Saudi immigration portals and official embassy communications

Conclusion: Strategic Window Opens for B2B Travel Professionals

Saudi Arabia’s phased visa reopening after Hajj 2025 marks a key turning point for travel professionals across India and Asia. While Umrah, family, business, and tourism visas have resumed, the ongoing work visa freeze reflects the Kingdom's evolving regulatory priorities.

For Indian travel agents, consolidators, and corporate planners, understanding these dynamic regulatory shifts will be critical to advising clients accurately and capturing emerging business opportunities.

Stay Connected with the Travel Community.

Follow our updates at blog.agentbazar.in and transform how you support your clients at every stage of travel.