Saudi Arabia imposes temporary visa ban for several countries including India; Check full list here
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has introduced new travel restrictions, temporarily suspending the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas to citizens of several countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
The ban, which is expected to last until mid-June, aims to manage crowd control and prevent unregistered pilgrims from entering the kingdom using alternative visa categories to perform Hajj without official authorisation.
The countries affected by this visa suspension include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has reportedly instructed authorities to strengthen visa regulations as part of this initiative. As part of the revised rules, the deadline for applying for an Umrah visa this year is set for April 13, 2025. No new Umrah visas will be issued until after the Hajj pilgrimage concludes.
Saudi authorities have also launched a digital Hajj and Umrah guide in sixteen languages to help and educate pilgrims about safe and legal pilgrimage practices. Those found staying illegally during the Hajj season will reportedly face a five-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia, along with a fine of SAR 10,000.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
