LAHORE – Several families and other individual are in limbo for months as they are waiting for the reopening of the multiple-entry visit visa of Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi multiple entry visa allows foreign travelers, including Pakistanis, to enter the country multiple times within a specific validity period, typically one year, They can stay for up to 90 days per visit. This type of visa is available for tourism, business, and family visits.
In February this year, Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended the issuance of multiple-entry visas for business, tourism, and family visits for citizens of 14 countries, including Pakistan, due to the Hajj season 2025.
The countries affected by this decision include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Saudi authorities had explained that the move aimed to address several recurring issues observed in recent years. A significant number of visitors had reportedly used multiple-entry visas to overstay and perform Hajj without official permits, contributing to overcrowding at pilgrimage sites and raising security concerns.
Additionally, some individuals holding family or business visit visas were found engaging in unauthorized employment, violating visa conditions and putting pressure on the local labor market.
When Will Saudi Arabia Multiple entry Visa Reopen?
Families or individuals, who visited the Etimad Centre in Lahore on their appointment day for biometric and other processes, told Pakistan Observer that the officials at the centre had informed that the Saudi multiple entry visas are not being issued so far.
It is expected that the visas would be reopened in Pakistan from June 21 or 23, they said while there is not official announcement in this regard.
