Saudi Arabia Lifts Visa Ban on 14 Countries, Pakistan Included

Saudi Arabia has reiterated strong penalties for overstaying any visa:

• Deportation after legal proceedings

• Fines up to SAR 50,000 (approx. USD 13,000)

• Jail terms up to six months

This applies to all short-term visa categories, emphasizing legal compliance, especially for Umrah pilgrims.

• Pakistani citizens may now apply anew for Umrah, tourist, business, and family visas.

• Expect backlogs initially due to volume, but processing should normalize soon.

• Recruitment under Block Work Visas is still on hold.

• Agencies advising Pakistanis must pause new labor visa requests under block quotas.

• Meanwhile, firms might explore alternatives such as individual work visas, though these are more restrictive.

Book early: Visa services may experience a surge.

Verify visa type: Ensure you're applying for the correct category.

Be prepared for fines: Large penalties and jail time await overstayers.

Stay informed: Monitor updates on visa quotas and timelines.

Use authorized channels: Apply via Saudi consulates, approved agents, or Ministry platforms.

Saudi Arabia’s move to lift the short‑term visa ban signals a return to pre‑Hajj travel conditions, allowing Pakistanis and others to resume Umrah, tourism, business, and family visits.

However, with Block Work Visas still under suspension, the Kingdom remains cautious about labor influx, balancing workforce needs with pilgrimage safety and national employment goals.