India, April 8 -- With Hajj 2025 approaching, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended Umrah visa issuance for citizens of 14 countries: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. The restriction, expected to last until mid-June, is part of an annual crowd management policy implemented before the pilgrimage season to ensure the safety and comfort of all pilgrims.

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is expected to take place from June 4-9, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon. Umrah, a minor pilgrimage, can be performed at any time of the year and isn't considered a mandatory act, unlike Hajj. However, with the restriction looming, U...