As the holy pilgrimage season continues, Saudi Arabia has introduced strict new travel regulations that have left many Umrah pilgrims stranded and confused. The announcement, made by the Saudi General Aviation Authority (GACA), particularly targets travelers holding Umrah visas dated after the 15th of Shawwal. The directive took immediate effect and is already impacting hundreds of passengers, including elderly women and children, with no clear solution in sight.
Let’s break down the situation, what these new rules mean for future pilgrims, and how the affected travelers are coping.
What Are the New Umrah Travel Rules in Saudi Arabia?
According to the GACA directive, any traveler holding an Umrah visa dated beyond 15th Shawwal is no longer allowed entry into Saudi Arabia. The regulation mandates that airlines must not issue boarding passes to such visa holders. In fact, any violation of this directive — whether by the passenger or the airline — will result in strict legal action under Saudi law.
This move is reportedly aimed at streamlining pilgrimage operations and managing the influx of travelers more efficiently in the lead-up to Hajj 2025.
Immediate Impact: Pilgrims Stranded and Protesting
As the news broke, chaos unfolded at several airports. One particular incident involving Flight SV 700, scheduled to fly from Saudi Arabia to Karachi, drew widespread attention. Although boarding passes were issued, passengers were offloaded at the last minute due to flight capacity constraints and complications stemming from the new visa rules.
Over 60 pilgrims, many from Jafar Khan Leghari in Sanghar, Pakistan, were left stranded. This region has a long-standing tradition of sending pilgrims for Umrah, and the sudden enforcement of these regulations has created an emotional and logistical nightmare for the affected families.
Emotional Toll and Delayed Support
Among the stranded are elderly women, children, and entire families, who had undertaken the sacred journey with high hopes and deep spiritual intentions. With no immediate return flight, they were temporarily shifted to a hotel, where they now wait anxiously for updates.
Passengers have expressed deep frustration and anger, staging protests at the airport to demand immediate assistance. The lack of communication, uncertainty, and limited accommodations have only worsened the emotional toll on these pilgrims.
What Happens Next?
Airport authorities have assured that alternative arrangements are being made to bring the pilgrims home. However, as of now, more than 24 hours have passed, and no concrete travel plan has been announced.
For future travelers, this development serves as a critical reminder: it’s essential to stay updated with the latest Saudi visa and travel policies, especially around the transition period from Umrah to Hajj season.
Advice for Umrah Pilgrims and Travel Agencies
If you or your loved ones are planning to perform Umrah in 2025, here are some key tips to avoid complications:
- Confirm visa validity dates before booking flights.
- Consult licensed travel agents who are updated on Saudi regulations.
- Check with airlines directly before departure.
- Stay informed via the official GACA website or Saudi embassy updates.
- Prepare for unexpected delays, especially during high-traffic seasons.
Final Thoughts
This incident shines a light on the importance of clear communication and preparedness when embarking on international religious journeys. While Saudi Arabia aims to manage pilgrim traffic more efficiently, the sudden implementation has left hundreds stranded and distressed.
We hope the situation resolves quickly and the stranded pilgrims are reunited with their families soon.
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