Saudi Arabia’s new visa policy affects 14 countries including Pakistan

RIYADH/ISLAMABAD: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a new visa policy, effectively ending the one-year multiple-entry facility. The new visa policy is applicable on 14 countries, including Pakistan.

The multiple entry facility for one year was previously allowed for tourist visas, business visas and family visits. Now under the new policy only single-entry visas will be issued.

The affected countries by the new visa policy include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen. The new policy has come into effect since February 1, 2025.

According to the Saudi Arabian authorities, this step has been taken to stop those who perform Hajj illegally using long-term visas. Under the new policy, only single-entry visas will now be issued to those wishing to visit Saudi Arabia, which will be valid for 30 days.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened registration for local citizens and residents for Hajj 2025 and has directed those who wish to apply to submit their applications on the Nasik app or the official e-portal.

PAKISTAN-SAUDI ARABIA HAJJ AGREEMENT

Earlier this year, in January, Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah signed the annual Hajj agreement 2025. Under the agreement, 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj in 2025.

The agreement includes a commitment to provide the best possible facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, who will be offered special accommodation in Mina at reduced rates. The Saudi minister also assured Pakistan of all possible support for better facilities for Pakistani pilgrims.

Moreover, to make the Hajj journey more accessible and comfortable, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced a short Hajj program of 20 to 25 days, like the previous year.