Riyadh (Pakistan News Online) Saudi Arabia has introduced a new visa policy for 14 countries including Pakistan and suspended the one-year multiple-entry visa facility.
Saudi authorities have decided to suspend the one-year multiple-entry visa issued for tourism, business and family visits and issue only single-entry visas, express pk reported.
Saudi Arabia has announced a new visa policy for Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen, which will come into effect from February 1, 2025.
According to Saudi officials, this step has been taken to stop those who perform Hajj illegally using long-term visas and bypass the official Hajj quota.
Under the new policy, only single-entry visas will be issued to those wishing to visit Saudi Arabia, which will be valid for 30 days.
To obtain a visa, applicants will have to submit biometrics and other necessary documents at Etemad Visa Centers in Pakistan.
The Saudi government is taking strict measures for the effective management of the Hajj quota, so as to ensure fair distribution of the Hajj quota allocated to each country.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened registration for local citizens and residents for Hajj 2025 and has directed aspirants to submit their applications on the Nasik app or the official e-portal.