Applications for pending work entry visas may be postponed or rejected, and those with valid work visas who have not yet reached Saudi Arabia may face entry limitations.
Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the granting of ‘block work visas’ to nationals of 14 countries, including India. The decision by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will remain in effect until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the Hajj season, reports Arab Times.
The move to halt the issuance of block work visas is expected to have a substantial impact on foreign workers and companies.
Block work visas are pre-approved quotas that allow Saudi companies to recruit a specific number of foreign workers. Once approved, companies can apply for entry visas for selected candidates under this quota system. This has now been removed from the Kingdom’s labour management portal, Qiwa.
However, firms that target workers from the listed countries will not be granted new quotas under the temporary restriction, and processing of previously approved quotas may experience delays.
Applications for pending work entry visas may be postponed or rejected, and those with valid work visas who have not yet reached Saudi Arabia may face entry limitations.
The suspension, which affects a total of 14 countries, halts both new and pending applications for temporary work visas (TWV). The affected countries are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, and Morocco.
According to Envoy Global, the removal of the block work visa quota has created uncertainty, particularly in sectors reliant on foreign labour, such as construction and domestic work.
Although Saudi authorities have not provided an official reason for the suspension, the move aligns with intensified Saudization efforts aimed at increasing the employment of Saudi nationals. These efforts include expanding local workforce quotas in industries such as tourism, with targets expected to rise between 2026 and 2028.
Saudi Arabia remains a key destination for African migrant workers, particularly in the domestic and low-wage sectors. Ethiopia and Kenya are among the leading contributors to this labour force.
However, migrant workers in Saudi Arabia frequently face difficulties, with reports highlighting exploitation, abuse, and inadequate legal protections. The country’s Kafala sponsorship system, which grants employers significant control over foreign workers, has been widely criticised for enabling mistreatment and limiting workers’ freedoms.
Despite these challenges, economic pressures continue to drive labour migration from African countries to Saudi Arabia, with remittances playing a vital role in supporting families and bolstering home economies.
Other visa restrictions enforced by Saudi Arabia include delays in family visit permits, which have left many applications languishing and families in the dark, and a halt on Umrah visa applications from the same 14 countries during seasons of high demand.
Before departing, foreign workers should check with airlines or the closest Saudi diplomatic offices to ensure their eligibility for a visa and entry. Recruiting firms should anticipate extended processing times and notify clients of any delays.