Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended block work visas for nationals from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Nigeria, until the end of June 2025. This decision, coinciding with the annual Hajj season, is expected to significantly impact sectors that rely heavily on migrant labor. The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has removed the option for issuing block work visas — which are pre-approved quotas allowing companies to recruit foreign workers in bulk — from its Qiwa labor management platform, effectively freezing new recruitments under this category.
Companies that typically depend on labor from these countries are now unable to obtain new hiring quotas, and even those with previously approved allocations may face delays. This sudden suspension is particularly disruptive to sectors like construction and domestic work, which are driven by foreign manpower. In many cases, work visa applications that are pending might be postponed or rejected entirely. Additionally, individuals with approved visas who have not yet entered Saudi Arabia could face added scrutiny or entry restrictions.
The countries affected by this suspension include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, and Morocco. While the Saudi authorities have not issued a formal reason for this move, it aligns with the nation’s ongoing Saudization strategy, aimed at increasing local employment by reducing dependency on foreign labor. This initiative has gradually raised quotas for Saudi nationals in various sectors, particularly tourism and retail, and is projected to continue expanding through 2028.
Saudi Arabia remains a top destination for workers from Africa and Asia, especially for low-wage and domestic work. Countries like Ethiopia and Kenya are among the leading contributors to Saudi Arabia’s foreign workforce. However, labor conditions in the Kingdom, especially under the Kafala system, have faced international criticism for restricting workers’ rights and enabling exploitation. Despite these challenges, economic needs in the sending countries continue to drive migration, with remittances playing a vital role in supporting families and national economies.
This latest visa freeze comes amid broader restrictions, such as delays in processing family visit visas and suspensions of Umrah visa applications during peak seasons — again primarily affecting the same 14 countries. Saudi authorities have urged potential travelers to verify their visa status with airlines or local Saudi missions before planning their journey. Recruitment agencies and employers are advised to prepare for extended processing times and to maintain clear communication with clients about the evolving immigration landscape.
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