The government sources on Monday dismissed reports about any bar on Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government has not issued any notification on this matter, sources told news agency PTI.
The clarification came after some reports claimed that the Saudi government has put restrictions on Indians travelling to the country.
A source said that there are temporary restrictions on short-term visas to avoid overcrowding during the Hajj season, which end with the conclusion of Hajj.
The clarification comes after reports said that Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of block work visas for citizens from 14 countries, including India.
The 14 countries included Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Libya, Kenya, and Turkey.
The significant decision, which took effect in May 2025, is being attributed to security and administrative concerns, particularly around the management of pilgrims and immigration compliance during the busy Hajj period.
The reports said that the decision was primarily intended to prevent visa misuse and unauthorised participation in the Hajj pilgrimage, even though Saudi authorities have not issued an official public statement related to this.
