Saudi Arabia has implemented a new visa policy, limiting single-entry visas to 14 countries, including Nigeria, for a period of 30 days. This move aims to address concerns over visa misuse and unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages.
Saudi Arabia has implemented a significant change in its visa policy, restricting single-entry visas to Nigeria and 13 other countries, valid for a period of 30 days. This new regulation affects tourists, business travelers, and individuals visiting family members within the kingdom. However, it does not apply to applicants seeking Hajj , Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.
The affected nations, in addition to Nigeria, include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. The Saudi government has cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as the primary reason behind this policy shift. Officials have highlighted instances where travelers exploited long-term visas to reside in the country illegally or participate in Hajj pilgrimages without proper authorization. The stringent regulation of Hajj attendance through a fixed quota per country has been compromised by unauthorized pilgrims, contributing to overcrowding and safety concerns. The suspension of multiple-entry visas has been characterized as a temporary measure by Saudi authorities, but a specific timeframe for its review remains undisclosed. This development comes in anticipation of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. In the previous year, 2024, over 1,200 pilgrims tragically lost their lives due to extreme heat and congestion, a crisis attributed to unregistered attendees by authorities.
Saudi Arabia Visas Nigeria Hajj Travel Restrictions Multiple-Entry Visas Overcrowding
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