Rumors circulating on social media and some news websites claimed that Saudi Arabia has imposed a visa ban on Pakistani citizens following the UAE’s earlier move. However, the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad has strongly denied these reports, terming them misleading and false.

The Saudi Embassy has categorically denied the rumors, clarifying that the visa suspension is seasonal and temporary, as happens every year during the Hajj season.

As per reports, Abdullah Alam, Media Secretary of the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, rejected the reports outright and explained that the temporary visa ban includes Umrah, business, and family visas and is not limited to Pakistan.

“This is a routine measure implemented annually before Hajj to manage the pilgrimage season efficiently,” he stated.

Along with Pakistan, the temporary visa restriction also applies to India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Tunisia. These countries face the same seasonal limitations each year, and the restrictions are lifted once the Hajj operations are streamlined.

When asked about the timeline for lifting the ban, the Saudi official said there's no confirmed date yet, but it is expected to be lifted by mid-June. Once the restrictions are over, citizens from the listed countries will once again be eligible to apply for all relevant visas as per normal procedures.

The Saudi Embassy also confirmed that Pakistan has been officially informed about the temporary suspension, and there is no reason for panic. Officials urge citizens to avoid believing in misinformation and wait for official updates from the embassy or relevant government sources.