In a significant move aimed at managing crowds and ensuring safety during the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Indonesia.

The suspension will remain in effect until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage, according to a news report.

Visa Suspension List

The affected countries are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Saudi authorities have confirmed that April 13 will be the last day for the issuance of Umrah visas before the temporary halt comes into force.

Reason Behind the Ban

The decision is primarily driven by overcrowding and safety concerns witnessed during previous Hajj seasons.

According to officials, some pilgrims have bypassed the official Hajj quota system by entering the Kingdom on Umrah or visit visas and then overstaying to perform Hajj without registration. This unauthorized participation puts immense pressure on infrastructure and safety services.

In 2024, over 1,200 pilgrims tragically lost their lives, largely due to intense heat and lack of access to essential services, such as shelter, transportation, and healthcare, a situation worsened by the presence of unregistered pilgrims.

India, in particular, has been placed on the list amid concerns that some individuals have used non-Hajj visas to participate in the pilgrimage, skirting official protocols.

Saudi Arabia’s Quota System

The Kingdom’s quota system is designed to allocate a specific number of Hajj slots to each country, helping regulate the number of pilgrims and avoid dangerous overcrowding.

However, authorities say the surge of unofficial pilgrims from certain countries undermines these efforts and puts all pilgrims at risk.

By suspending visas temporarily, Saudi Arabia aims to streamline Hajj operations and prevent further tragedies in one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

Visa issuance is expected to resume after Hajj concludes in mid-June. Citizens of the affected countries are advised to follow official updates through their respective embassies and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

(Source: Gulf Buisness)

In a major relief for travellers and expats, the UAE has officially begun offering a five-year multi-entry visa for Pakistani nationals, opening up hassle-free access to the country.

The move, announced during a high-level meeting in Karachi, is being hailed as a “game-changer” for frequent visitors, business professionals, and families with ties in both countries.

“Visa issues have been resolved; Pakistanis can now obtain a five-year visa,” confirmed UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi during his meeting with Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor House on Tuesday.

The development marks a significant step in strengthening UAE–Pakistan relations, especially as over 1.7 million Pakistanis currently live and work across the Emirates.

What the Visa Offers

The five-year multiple-entry visa allows:

• Up to 90 days per visit, extendable to 180 days per year
• Entry through any UAE airport, with no Emirate restrictions
• Unlimited entries within the validity period

This visa is ideal for:

• Business professionals attending events and meetings
• Families visiting loved ones regularly
• Tourists who want to explore the UAE

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Present a bank statement showing at least Dh14,695 or its equivalent
• Provide proof of health insurance
• Submit a valid passport, recent photos, and a travel itinerary

Applications can be processed through:

• Official UAE immigration portals
• Licensed travel agencies
• Approved GDRFA typing centres

Processing typically takes 5–7 working days, and fees vary by provider.

Why Now?

This visa update follows months of speculation around visa delays and scrutiny for Pakistani applicants. Officials from both countries have dismissed reports of a visa ban, insisting there were no restrictions in place.

Ambassador Al Zaabi’s announcement is seen as a clear signal of improved bilateral cooperation. He also invited Governor Tessori to visit the UAE Visa Centre in Karachi, reflecting deeper regional engagement.

With smoother travel and more flexibility, the five-year visa is poised to benefit thousands of Pakistani nationals as UAE continues to position itself as a welcoming, globally connected hub.

(Source: www.brecorder.com)

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has issued a warning to the public and the financial services community over a recruitment scam falsely using the name of the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority (DIFCA).

According to the DFSA, scammers have been impersonating DIFCA employees on professional networking platforms, claiming to offer internships. Victims were contacted online, interviewed virtually, and later sent fake job offers and forged employment contracts.

In one reported case, the scammers went as far as providing a fake tenancy contract for accommodation in Dubai and requested payments of Dh6,365 for the apartment deposit and Dh903 for visa and administrative fees. The victim, believing the offer was legitimate, made the payments.

The fraudsters made their communication appear official by:

• Using a fake email address: difca.recruitment.difc@collector.org, masked to appear as difca.recruitment@difc.ae;
• Falsely displaying the DIFCA name and branding, including the unauthorised use of logos and stamps.

The DFSA has confirmed that these communications were fraudulent and not issued by the DIFCA. It stressed that DIFCA does not request payment for accommodation or visa fees as part of its recruitment process.

“These emails and job offers are fake. Do not respond to such messages or send any money,” the DFSA advised in its official alert.

The authority urged anyone who receives suspicious communications claiming to be from the DIFCA or the DIFC to verify the legitimacy via official DFSA channels.

Consumers are also encouraged to consult the DFSA’s:

• Alerts page for scam warnings
• Guidance on how to avoid being scammed
• Public Register to check if a firm or individual is authorised

If you suspect a scam or receive suspicious documents claiming to be from the DIFCA, DIFC, or any DFSA-regulated entity, you are advised to contact the DFSA immediately.

(Source: www.dfsa.ae)