Riyadh, April 7, 2025 – The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has issued an official statement addressing widespread misinformation regarding visa policies for business, tourist, and family visit visas. Contrary to social media claims, the Jawazat confirmed that no mandate requires visa holders from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Egypt, to leave Saudi Arabia by April 13, 2025, or face a five-year entry ban.
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Official Clarifications from Jawazat
The Jawazat has outlined the following key points to dispel rumors:
- Visa Validity Remains Unchanged: Holders of valid business, tourist, or family visit visas can remain in Saudi Arabia until their visa expires. Overstaying beyond the expiry date will result in legal penalties but not an automatic entry ban.
- No Immediate Exit Deadline: There is no requirement for visa holders from the listed countries to exit Saudi Arabia by April 13 unless their visa is expiring on or before that date.
- Renewals Allowed: Multiple-entry visas can be renewed through the Absher and Muqeem platforms if eligibility criteria are met.
The Jawazat emphasized that any updates to visa regulations will be announced exclusively through its official channels, urging residents and travelers to rely on verified sources for accurate information.
Background on Recent Visa Updates
Saudi Arabia recently implemented temporary restrictions on issuing new Umrah, business, and family visit visas for nationals of 14 countries until mid-June 2025. These measures align with efforts to manage overcrowding during the Hajj season and prevent unauthorized pilgrims from performing Hajj without proper registration. However, these restrictions do not retroactively affect valid visas issued before February 2025.
The affected countries include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Guidelines for Visa Holders
The Jawazat reiterated important guidelines for all visa holders:
- Check Visa Validity: Business visit visa holders can verify their status via the Absher or Muqeem platforms linked to their sponsoring establishments. Family visit visa holders should check with their sponsors.
- Tourist Visa Stays: Holders of multiple-entry tourist visas are allowed a maximum stay of 90 days within a one-year period.
- Hajj Restrictions: No visit visa holders will be permitted to perform Hajj. Pilgrims must obtain proper Hajj visas through authorized channels.
Addressing Misinformation
The Jawazat warned against believing unverified social media reports claiming that all short-term visa holders must leave Saudi Arabia by April 13 or face severe penalties. It urged travelers and residents to consult official platforms such as the Jawazat website or follow its verified social media accounts for reliable updates.
This clarification aims to reassure travelers and businesses while ensuring compliance with immigration laws during the busy Hajj season.