Archive · 9 Jun 2025
India: No New Saudi Travel Restrictions for Pilgrims, Officials Say
The Indian government says reports about new travel restrictions for Indians going to Saudi Arabia are wrong.
They say Saudi Arabia hasn't made any new rules.
During the Hajj pilgrimage, there are temporary visa rules to control crowds.
These rules are normal and will end after Hajj.
Some visas, like block work visas, have been temporarily stopped since May 2025 because of security concerns, especially during Hajj.
India has a set number of pilgrims allowed for Hajj in 2025, decided in a meeting.
This is to manage the large number of people visiting Mecca.
MEA refuted reports of new travel restrictions on Indian nationals to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has not issued any fresh notifications regarding travel bans.
Temporary visa restrictions are standard during the Hajj season to manage pilgrims.
A suspension of certain visas, including block work visas, has been in effect since May 2025.
India’s quota for Hajj pilgrims in 2025 is set at 175,025.
- Who
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- What
- Clarification on travel restrictions for Indian nationals
- When
- Ongoing; restrictions effective until June 30, 2025
- Where
- Saudi Arabia
- Why
- To counter misinformation and manage pilgrim influx during Hajj
MEA Clarification
Media Reports
Travel Restrictions
MEA Clarification
MEA states no new restrictions.
Media Reports
Reports of new travel restrictions for Indians
- Reported Restrictions
- Incorrect
- Source of Clarification
- MEA
- Saudi Notification
- None issued
- Hajj Season Practice
- Temporary visa restrictions during Hajj
- India's Hajj Quota for 2025
- 175,025
- Visa Suspension
- Suspension of block work visas since May 2025
Sources
Saudi Arabia suspends block work visas to Indians, other foreign workers
Work visa suspension: Saudi Arabia halts quotas for 14 nations, including India, disrupting migrant labour pipeline
Saudi Arabia Suspends Block Work Visas For 14 Countries Including India: What Does It Mean? Check Details
Reports Of Restrictions On Indians Travelling To Saudi Arabia 'Incorrect': Govt Sources
No bar on Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia: Sources
Hajj 2025: No more temporary ban on short-term visas for Indians as over 1.5 million Muslims conclude Mecca pilgrimage
MEA fact checks reports of Saudi Arabia suspending block work visas, says ‘claim false’
No Bar On Indians Travelling To Saudi Arabia: Sources