This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: You are experiencing issues with 301 link redirection in Yoast SEO for Arabic directions, while English ones work fine. Solution: 1. Add the redirection URL in the encoded format:
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Background of the issue:
I’m having issues with 301 link redirection in Yoast SEO for Arabic directions, while English ones work fine. Yoast support recommended reaching out to WPML support, as they’ve resolved similar problems in the past.
Symptoms:
301 link redirection in Yoast SEO for Arabic directions is not working.
Questions:
How can I fix the 301 link redirection issue for Arabic directions in Yoast SEO?
Similar to the problem, I translated the shop page to Arabic and changed the slug part. It was the original slug /ar/متجر - The new slug is ar/متجر123 *However, in order to fully simulate the problem, I need to redirect the link and I was redirecting using the redirect feature of the Yoast SEO premium plugin.
I've installed Yoast SEO Premium on the sandbox site and tried to replicate the issue there. It looks like the redirection doesn't work in the second language when there is a parameter in the URL.
I'm discussing this issue with our 2nd tier support and update you here when I have something to share.
Our 2nd tier support sees that the issue is related to the encoded characters. If I change the redirection:
old: ar/%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%B1/?filter_color=20-coy-ar
new: ar/%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%B1
then it works.
After that, I update the redirection back to the Arabic language:
old: ar/متجر/?filter_color=20-coy-ar
new: ar/متجر
and it also works.
Can you please confirm this on the sandbox site and on your site?
I see that your redirection is working successfully. But when I redirect in the same format as you showed, it still opens to the same page and a successful redirect is not achieved. We do not use and redirect with encoded characters. Also there is a screen capture video link here.
Can you please recheck that redirection? It should work now. Here are steps I do:
1. Add the redirection URL in the encoded format:
old: ar/%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AC/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%88%D9%81/?filter_color=104-soft-ivory-ar&query_type_color=or
new: ar/%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%B1
2. Save changes, clear cache, check the redirection in the frontend.
3. Set the redirection back to the Arabic language (you can skip this step, if you want to see the Arabic language, go ahead):
old: /ar/علامة المنتج/اللوف/?filter_color=104-soft-ivory-ar&query_type_color=or
new: ar/متجر
The first time I created the redirect, it did not work as shown in the screen capture I sent you. When I tried again after the capture you sent, I confirmed that it has successfully redirected. In this case, the problem has been resolved. Thank you very much for your efforts. I appreciate.
I would like to confirm the steps I need to take to avoid any further issues:
1. Add the redirect URL in encoded form.
2. Set the redirection back to the Arabic language.
3. Clear the cache.
If I follow these steps, the problem should disappear. Did I understand everything correctly?
1. Add the redirect URL in encoded format.
2. Clear the cache.
3. Set the redirection back to the Arabic language. Note: this step is optional, you will still see the Arabic slug in the URL. It helps you manage the redirection in the admin area easier.
