A temporary suspension of short-term visa issuance by Saudi Arabia to nationals from 14 countries, including Nigeria, has triggered confusion regarding the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Scope of the Visa Ban
The Saudi government announced the suspension, which takes effect from April 13, 2025. This measure affects various visa categories, including single and multi-entry business visas, tourist e-visas, and family visit visas for citizens of Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Tunisia, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Implications and Restrictions
Holders of existing short-term Saudi visas from the affected countries can still enter the Kingdom before April 13 but must depart by April 29, 2025, or face penalties, potentially including a five-year entry ban. The ban is expected to remain in effect through June, coinciding with the Hajj season.
Rationale Behind the Decision
Saudi authorities stated that the policy aims to regulate travel before the Hajj season, addressing concerns about overcrowding and the misuse of non-pilgrimage visas during the 2024 exercise, which saw at least 1,301 pilgrim deaths, mostly from heat-related causes. The majority of the deceased did not possess official Hajj permits and resorted to unauthorized travel arrangements due to the high cost of official packages.
Misinformation and Clarification
The announcement has led to misinformation across Nigerian social media, with many interpreting it as a blanket ban on Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj.
NAHCON's Response
An official from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) clarified that the development is not unusual and that countries often adjust visa policies for specific objectives. The official advised stakeholders to seek clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Saudi authorities.
Authorized Pilgrims Exempted
The visa restriction does not apply to pilgrims properly registered under the official Hajj scheme facilitated by NAHCON or approved tour operators, ensuring that Nigerians intending to perform Hajj through authorized channels will still be granted access during the pilgrimage window.
Curbing Unauthorized Entry
Saudi officials emphasized that the measure targets curbing unauthorized entry of individuals using visit or Umrah visas to participate in Hajj, which has contributed to overcrowding and unregulated pilgrim activity. The visa suspension aligns with earlier restrictions imposed in February 2025, limiting travel from the same 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for only 30 days and indefinitely suspending one-year multiple-entry visas.
