SRINAGAR: The recent temporary suspension by the Saudi Arabian government of Umrah, tourist, and visit visas ahead of Hajj 2025 has raised concerns among aspiring pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir.
However, officials said that the measure is a routine pre-Hajj step and will not impact pilgrims travelling from India, including Jammu & Kashmir.
Executive Officer of the JK Haj Committee, Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, clarified that the suspension specifically targets Umrah, tourist, and visit visas and has been implemented in coordination with several countries.
The official explained that the move is aimed at preventing the misuse of non-Hajj visas by individuals attempting to perform Hajj without authorisation—a practice that has previously affected logistics and accommodation.
“Last year, individuals who travelled on Umrah or visit visas often stayed back to perform Hajj without proper authorisation, leading to overcrowding, especially in Mina tents,” he said. “This year, such practices are expected to be curtailed due to the suspension, which will benefit legitimate pilgrims by improving access to facilities.”
He added that this ban is implemented annually, usually a few days before Hajj, but this year it has been enforced nearly 20 days in advance, which may have caused some confusion.
The Executive Officer said the decision is expected to streamline the Hajj process and ease logistical challenges faced by officially registered pilgrims due to overlapping stays by those with non-Hajj visas.
“It helps to prevent unnecessary crowding and mismanagement, particularly in accommodation areas and tents,” he said.
Regarding the current status of Hajj preparations in Jammu & Kashmir, over 3,600 pilgrims are scheduled to perform Hajj this year under the government quota. Orientation and training programmes are underway, and vaccination drives will be completed in the coming days.
According to tour operators, the temporary visa suspension does not affect Hajj pilgrims, who are travelling on official Hajj visas.
Officials noted that the early implementation of travel restrictions follows the tragedy during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, in which over 1,000 people lost their lives. (KNO)
