Dear Editor,
I am writing to highlight a troubling decision by the Saudi government. It has recently changed its visa policy for nationals from 14 countries, including Pakistan. This means that tourists and businesspeople who could previously get a one-year multiple-entry visa would now get a single-entry 30-day visa.
This policy shift is concerning, while the rationale behind this change is even more alarming. Saudi authorities claim that people from these countries often perform illegal/undocumented Hajj, which in itself is a strange and absurd description.
For Muslims, Hajj is not just a religious duty but also the most sacred pilgrimage. It is natural for Muslim tourists wishing to fulfill this duty during their travel, regardless of whether they enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist or business visa. If visitors have the opportunity to fulfill it, why should this be a problem?
The new policy will affect thousands of Pakistanis who travel to Saudi Arabia for business or tourism, and simultaneously wish to visit the holy sites. Restricting their access based on a questionable justification is unfair, especially when tourists from other countries are exempted from this new ‘rule’. Targeting individuals from specific countries and holding them accountable for Hajj management issues of the past years is both unfair and counterproductive.
Authorities in Pakistan must approach the Saudi government and persuade them to reconsider this policy. Instead of penalizing genuine visitors, the Saudi government should find a better way to manage pilgrimage regulations without unnecessary barriers.
Hira Sarwar
Lahore
