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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Expertise Group CEO Ashif Karnire meets PM Modi in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made an important visit to Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the strong bonds between the two nations. As part of his diplomatic outreach, PM Modi engaged with prominent Indian business leaders based in the Kingdom, acknowledging their pivotal role in fostering economic growth and bilateral cooperation.
Among the key participants at the high-level meeting were Ashif Karnire, Chief Executive Officer of Expertise Group, and Anshif Karnire, Chief Strategy Officer, who met Prime Minister Modi during his visit. Their presence underscored the dynamic entrepreneurial contributions of the Indian diaspora to Saudi Arabia’s evolving economic landscape.
Other notable Indian business leaders in attendance included Yusuf Ali, Managing Director of Lulu Hypermarket, and Alisha Moopen, Group CEO of Aster Healthcare both represent influential enterprises that have played integral roles in the Kingdom's development across retail and healthcare sectors.
During the discussions, the leaders explored the significant contributions of the Indian community to Saudi Arabia, acknowledging their influential roles in the local economy.
