India, June 9 -- Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended block work visas for 14 countries, including India and Bangladesh, in a move tied to the ongoing Hajj season.

The decision is seen as a curb on visa misuse and prevention of unauthorised participation in the Hajj pilgrimage, a concern that came to the fore last year. The temporary ban has been effective since last month and will remain in effect at least until June 30.

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

The kingdom has also temporarily banned other kinds of visas, such as e-visas, family visit visas, and tourist visas. All the curbs are connected to the o...