Hajj: Saudi Arabia cancels visa for children under 12. Details here

As part of introducing new regulations for Umrah, Saudi Arabia has decided not to issue visas to children under 12 for Hajj pilgrims, according to reports. Following this, the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) cancelled applications of as many as 291 children under 12 years who had applied for a visa to accompany their parents to perform Umrah. 

 The HCoI added that whatever amount the parents had paid for the children would be reimbursed. A statement issued in this regard said parents can proceed for Hajj without their children or cancel in full through the Haj Committee website. "Parents may proceed with their Haj Pilgrimage as per the schedule. However, if they opt for full or partial cancellation of their Cover(s), they may do so online through the Haj Committee of India website or Haj Suvidha App by Monday, April 14, 2025," the committee said. 

No cancellation charges will be applied till April 14, the statement added,

Besides the cancellation of visas for children below 12, the Saudi Government has also imposed additional norms, including new travel restrictions that prevent Umrah visa holders from entering the country after the 15th day of Shawwal. This is aimed at managing the influx of pilgrims and ensuring organized preparations for the upcoming Hajj season.

The authorities have also banned hotels from taking in visitors who do not own a valid Hajj permit. This also includes those who only have work entry permits or residents. However, this is applicable only during the annual pilgrimage season. 

Saudi Arabia had also slashed India’s Private Hajj Quota by 80%, from the earlier Haj quota of 175, 025. The kingdom had also announced a temporary suspension on issuing new short-term visas, including tourist and business, for citizens of 14 countries, including India.

Middle East