Overview
- Saudi Arabia briefly set a 15-year minimum for Hajj pilgrims, effective May 3, which led Pakistani airports to treat under-15 visas as canceled and to block boarding.
- Hours after the Saturday directive, Saudi authorities withdrew the new limit and returned to the previous rule that allows children aged 12 and older to travel.
- Pakistan’s Airports Authority said visas rejected under the short-lived rule will be reprocessed, and the Pakistan Hajj Mission told operators that applicants over 12 remain eligible.
- Officials said families who choose not to travel after the disruption will receive full refunds, while ongoing Hajj flights from major Pakistani cities continue under the government program moving about 119,000 pilgrims.
- The episode shows how Saudi entry rules, enforced by airlines and departure-country immigration, can trigger instant visa cancellations and airport gate checks during the tightly timed Hajj schedule.