Saudi Arabia suspends Umrah visas for Pakistan, other countries

Saudi Arabia has suspended Umrah visa processing for several countries, including Pakistan, India, Ecuador, Morocco, Algeria, Iraq, Indonesia, and Jordan, due to an overwhelming number of applications.

The decision has caused widespread concern among Pakistani travelers and travel agents, as many had already booked flights and accommodations for the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia suspends Umrah visas for several countries.Nukta

Pakistani travel operators are reporting financial losses due to cancellations. Adnan Paracha, Vice Chairman of the Overseas Employment Promoters, urged the government to intervene.

“The Saudi government has stopped Umrah visas until the 17th of Ramadan,” Paracha told Nukta. “This year, a record number of Pakistanis are performing Umrah, prompting the Saudi authorities to impose country-wise quotas.”

He explained that Saudi officials want to accommodate pilgrims from other countries as well. While the entry of Pakistani pilgrims has not been banned, new visa applications are not being processed.

Paracha called on Pakistan’s government to negotiate with Saudi authorities to allow those who have already booked flights and hotels to complete their pilgrimage.

Saudi officials have not publicly confirmed the reasons for the suspension. However, sources familiar with the matter told Nukta that the move primarily affects countries with the highest demand for Hajj and Umrah visas.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Shafqat Khan, said he was unaware of any official restrictions.

“I am not aware of any restrictions imposed,” Khan told Nukta. “What I can say is that Pakistan has a large diaspora in Saudi Arabia, and our relations remain strong. Saudi Arabia is one of our closest friends and partners.”

A Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the visa halt could be linked to concerns over illegal overstays. Some Umrah pilgrims remain in Saudi Arabia beyond their visa validity, staying until Hajj.

To address this issue, Pakistan’s government is working on an Umrah Regulatory Authority to monitor visa allocations. A Ministry of Religious Affairs official said the proposal is currently under review by the Ministry of Law and Justice before being sent to the cabinet for approval.

The proposed authority would regulate Umrah travel in a manner similar to Hajj, distributing quotas among registered tour operators.

Despite growing concerns among Pakistani travelers and travel agents, the Saudi Embassy in Pakistan has not officially responded to inquiries about the visa restrictions.

With just weeks left before the end of Ramadan, thousands of Pakistanis who planned to perform Umrah remain uncertain about their travel plans.