Saudi Arabia Halts Visa Issuance: Global Reactions Surge Amid Sudden Policy Shift


By Audoz Buzz News Desk

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 7, 2025
In a shocking move that has sent ripples across global travel and diplomatic circles, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced an immediate suspension of all visa issuances, citing “national security interests and internal policy restructuring.” The announcement, made early Monday morning via a royal decree, affects all categories of foreign entry—tourist, business, work, and religious.

The statement, released by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offered limited details but emphasized that the suspension is “temporary and precautionary.” It did not specify how long the suspension would last, sparking confusion and concern among travelers, foreign workers, and governments worldwide.

Ahmed Khan, a Pakistani IT consultant working in Riyadh, had just finalized arrangements for his family to visit during Eid. “Everything was set. Flights booked, hotels reserved, and then—bam—no visas. Everything just stopped,” he told Audoz Buzz in a phone interview. “No one saw this coming.”

Similarly, thousands of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims—particularly from Indonesia, Nigeria, and India—have been left in limbo just weeks before critical religious travel periods. Travel agencies across Asia and Africa scrambled to respond, with many calling for urgent clarifications from Saudi authorities.

The economic consequences could be substantial. Saudi Arabia, under Vision 2030, had been actively encouraging tourism and international business. The country’s Red Sea Project, NEOM smart city initiative, and religious tourism sector rely heavily on foreign expertise and international visitors.

“This is a seismic shift,” said Professor Amal Darwish, a Middle East policy expert at the University of Cairo. “If this ban extends for even a few weeks, it could disrupt labor markets, diplomatic relations, and Saudi Arabia’s own diversification goals.”

Foreign embassies in Riyadh have reportedly requested high-level meetings with Saudi officials to determine the scope and rationale behind the move. The United States, the United Kingdom, and several EU nations have issued travel advisories, while Gulf neighbors like the UAE and Qatar expressed concern over the lack of prior diplomatic consultation.

Despite global reaction, Saudi officials have remained largely silent since the decree, fueling speculation. Some analysts point to heightened regional tensions, while others believe it could be linked to internal political maneuvering or upcoming reforms.

Until more clarity emerges, the world waits—and watches—a desert kingdom whose gates, for now, remain firmly closed.

Stay with Audoz Buzz for continuous updates on this developing story.

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