by
.jpeg)
International Desk: In a bid to manage crowds during the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of work visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, this measure aims to curb excessive gatherings during the pilgrimage period. The Indian news agency PTI reported that the affected countries include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Libya, Kenya, and Turkey.
Earlier this year, in February, Saudi Arabia had revised its visa policy for these 14 countries, introducing a ‘single entry’ visa system. Under this policy, citizens of these nations are granted a 30-day visa, allowing them to enter the kingdom only once. The change was implemented to address the issue of some individuals misusing visas to enter Mecca without authorization during Hajj, leading to overcrowding.
The latest decision to suspend work visas is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to streamline crowd control and ensure smooth management of the Hajj season. However, the move has sparked discussions about its potential impact on workers from the listed countries.
AI/MR
