Saudi Arabia cancels existing visas for nationals of 13 countries starting April 13

RIYADH, April 06 (YPA)- The Saudi authorities have issued a new decision canceling previous visas for entry into the Kingdom’s territory as of April 13th.

The ban includes work visit visas (single/multiple entry), electronic tourist visas, and family visit visas—even if they are still valid under the new decision.

The list of countries whose citizens are subject to these restrictions includes: Yemen, Pakistan, India, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.

The Saudi authorities confirmed that citizens of the affected countries must leave the Kingdom before April 13th; otherwise, they will face a five-year entry ban.

This also applies to holders of multiple-entry work visas, who will not be allowed to travel to the Kingdom after this date, regardless of the visa’s expiration.

The decision has sparked widespread reactions among a large segment of expatriates, who considered that the Saudi measures were taken abruptly, without considering the need for sufficient time for visa holders to arrange their affairs before the deadline.

Many had incurred significant expenses, even resorting to loans, in order to obtain a work visa for Saudi Arabia, only for the sudden issuance of the latest decision without prior warning.

It is also worth noting that Saudi Arabia has been accused by international organizations of damaging Yemen’s economy through the war and blockade imposed by the Saudi-led coalition against Yemen since March 26, 2015.

This has led to economic stagnation and high unemployment in Yemen, prompting these organizations to hold Saudi Arabia responsible for the deteriorating economic situation in Yemen, with some considering the Kingdom to have a special responsibility to consider the situation of Yemeni citizens in Saudi Arabia.

@E.Y.M