Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of short-term visas for citizens in 14 countries, including Pakistan, with effect from April 13, as part of measures to control travel flows in front of the Hajj season, according to Gulf News.

The prohibition applies to a single and multiple-entry business visa Visa, E-Tourist Visa and Family Visa Visa. The countries affected include India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh and Libya.

Travelers from these nations, who already have valid short -term visas, have access to the kingdom until April 13, but will leave by April 29.

The decision follows overfilling during last year’s Hajj when many pilgrims came in using non-Hajj-visa, and strained Saudi Arabia’s logistical capacity.

Saudi authorities said the temporary moratorium is intended to improve coordination and ensure security during the annual pilgrimage.