RAHAMATABAD.COM INVESTIGATION REVEALS FALSE CLAIM SPREAD BY SWATI GOEL SHARMA

New Delhi – A viral post by Swarajya journalist Swati Goel Sharma has caused confusion and outrage online after she claimed that “Saudi Arabia has banned Indian converts to Islam from obtaining Umrah or visit visas for three months.”

Muslim first or Indian first?

Whatever you imagine yourself to be, reality is: Saudi Arabia has banned Indian converts to Islam from obtaining Umrah or visit visas for three months – so they don’t ‘overcrowd’ Hajj where 1300 people died last year

You may burn your country’s… pic.twitter.com/l4QVY09Lvg

— Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) April 7, 2025

She followed this post with a rhetorical question, “Muslim first or Indian first?”, stirring communal sentiment. RAHAMATABAD.COM has verified this claim and found it to be untrue and misleading.

The Actual Saudi Visa Policy

Saudi Arabia enforces temporary visa restrictions every year before Hajj season to manage the high volume of pilgrims.

• In 2024, Umrah visas were paused between May 24 and June 26 unless a person had a valid Hajj permit.
• Visit visa holders from all countries were restricted from entering Makkah during this period.

There is no specific ban targeting Indian Muslim converts. The restriction was universal and applied to all Muslims worldwide for logistical reasons.

No Religion-Based or National Ban

Saudi authorities have made no official announcement targeting converts or specific countries. Visa policies were the same for Muslims from India, Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Authorized travel agents in India confirmed that no such selective rule existed.

Swati Goel Sharma’s Pattern of Misinformation

Swati Goel Sharma is known for reporting frequently on conversions, ‘Love Jihad’, and communal tensions. Her articles have previously been flagged for bias.

• She gave no source for her claim about Saudi policy.
• She tried to create a religious and national divide with her “Muslim vs Indian” framing.
• She accused Indian Muslims of damaging property in support of Palestine—an unfounded and unrelated allegation.

Danger of False Narratives

Such misinformation can:

• Increase Islamophobia
• Cause fear and confusion among Muslim travelers
• Deepen communal divides in India

Conclusion: No Ban on Converts, Just Routine Regulation

Saudi Arabia’s policy is not a ban—it’s a seasonal crowd control measure for all pilgrims.

Swati Goel Sharma’s claim is factually wrong, inflammatory, and politically motivated. Her statement serves to divide Indian society and must be rejected.

RAHAMATABAD.COM urges all readers to verify Hajj and Umrah guidelines only through official Saudi platforms or authorized agencies.