New Delhi, April 8 -- Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries - including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh - until mid-June 2025. The move is intended to curb unauthorised participation in the Hajj and ensure a safer, better-organised pilgrimage.

However, there is some confusion regarding the suspension of Umrah visas, with many wondering how pilgrims will travel for Hajj. It is important to note here that while both Umrah and Hajj visas are religious in nature, they serve two different purposes and are issued separately. Here's all you need to know

Both Umrah and Hajj relate to the pilgrimage to Mecca. However, they also differ in a number of respects.

As ...