The Saudi Arabian government has announced a temporary suspension of visa issuance to citizens from 14 countries — including Nigeria — as part of measures to ensure better safety, coordination, and compliance ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The suspension, which affects Umrah, business, and visit visas, will remain in place until the conclusion of this year’s Hajj season in mid-June. The directive is aimed at preventing the increasing trend of unregistered pilgrims entering the Kingdom using non-Hajj visas and attempting to participate in the sacred pilgrimage without proper authorization.
Alongside Nigeria, the affected countries include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and one other unnamed nation.
According to officials in the Kingdom, the decision comes in response to the alarming safety concerns witnessed during last year’s Hajj, where a significant number of unauthorized pilgrims reportedly contributed to overcrowding, logistical breakdowns, and life-threatening situations, including heat-related fatalities.
This suspension has significant implications for intending Nigerian pilgrims and others who had planned personal, business, or spiritual visits to the Kingdom in the coming months. Travel agencies and religious tour operators are now reviewing affected travel plans and seeking clarity on the next steps.
Saudi authorities have reiterated that only duly registered pilgrims under the official Hajj quota system of each country will be allowed to participate in this year’s pilgrimage. The move underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that the Hajj remains safe, spiritually fulfilling, and well-coordinated.
As the situation develops, the Nigerian government, through the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), is expected to issue an official statement to guide affected pilgrims and ensure compliance with the new directives.
