Outlook Times

The Saudi government has made a major revision to its visa policy, affecting Pakistani travelers and those from 13 other nations. The new regulations, which came into effect on February 1, 2025, suspend multiple-entry visas and restrict applicants to single-entry permits.

The change affects visitors seeking tourism, business, and family visit visas.

List of Countries Affected

The policy impacts citizens from:

• Pakistan
• India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen

These visitors will now have limited access to Saudi Arabia, requiring new visas for each trip.

Why the Policy Changed

Saudi Arabia’s decision to eliminate long-term multiple-entry visas is driven by concerns that some individuals were using them to perform Hajj illegally, bypassing their country’s official pilgrimage quota.

To tighten control over Hajj participation, Saudi authorities have opted for a stricter visa policy to ensure all pilgrims register through official channels.

New Visa Process for Pakistani Travelers

Under the revised regulations, travelers from Pakistan and other affected countries must now apply for a:

• Single-entry visa valid for 30 days
• Maximum stay of 30 days per visit
• Mandatory biometric verification at Etimad visa centers

This update marks a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to visitor entry.

Hajj 2025 Registration Open for Domestic Pilgrims

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially launched Hajj 2025 registration for citizens and residents of the Kingdom.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early via the Nusuk app or the official e-portal, as priority will be given to those who have not performed Hajj before.

The Ministry also advised pilgrims to update their health information, add accompanying individuals, and submit exemption requests where required.

With these new policies in place, travelers and pilgrims must carefully follow the new procedures to ensure a smooth visit to the Kingdom.

A Transformative Step for Karachi’s Public Transport

The Sindh government has unveiled an ambitious plan to reshape Karachi’s transportation network by introducing 8,000 electric buses. This project, set to roll out in three strategic phases, aims to modernize public transport, reduce emissions, and make commuting efficient for the city’s millions of residents.

Phased Rollout of Electric Buses

• Phase 1: Deployment of 500 electric buses in the first year. Currently, 50 buses are already operational on key routes across Karachi.
• Phase 2: Introduction of 1,500 additional buses to expand the fleet.
• Phase 3: The final phase will see 4,000 to 6,000 buses added over four years, coupled with significant infrastructure developments like charging stations, depots, and modernized bus terminals.

Sustainability at the Core

The project will include a 1GW solar plant, designed to support the electric fleet sustainably. This renewable energy initiative is expected to be operational by the end of Phase 3, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and cutting down on carbon emissions.

Pilot Project Already Underway

A pilot project involving 50 electric buses (12 meters in length) was launched on May 30, 2024. These buses operate under a rent-to-own model, provided by the National Energy & Transport Corporation (NETC). Payments are made based on a cost-per-kilometer arrangement.

Financial Commitment by the Government

The Sindh government has allocated Rs412.50 million for the final quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. Additionally, Rs1.65 billion will be provided annually for the next eight years to ensure the project’s success.

This initiative is expected to revolutionize Karachi’s transit system, enhance mobility, and set a benchmark for sustainable urban development in Pakistan.