Saudi Arabia Halts Block Work Visas for 14 Countries Through June 2025

Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary halt on work visa quotas for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Egypt. This decision, effective until June 2025, also affects various other visa types, such as Umrah, business, and family visit visas.

Impact of the Suspension

The suspension will significantly influence numerous foreign workers and businesses. It aims to streamline travel and ensure compliance during busy periods, especially the upcoming Hajj season.

Countries Affected

The following nations are impacted by this suspension:

• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Nigeria
• Jordan
• Algeria
• Sudan
• Ethiopia
• Tunisia
• Yemen
• Morocco

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development implemented this decision, coinciding with the Hajj season’s conclusion.

Understanding Block Work Visas

A block work visa allows Saudi employers to hire a predetermined number of foreign workers. Once approved, companies can apply for work entry visas for their selected candidates. However, due to the current suspension:

• New quotas for the 14 countries are on hold.
• Processing delays will affect even previously approved quotas.
• Applicants with pending work entry visas may face uncertainty or denial.
• Individuals with valid work visas but no entry into Saudi Arabia may face restrictions.
• Travelers should verify their eligibility with their airline or the nearest Saudi diplomatic mission before departure.

Reasons Behind the Suspension

This pause reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to:

• Manage labor market inflows during the Hajj season.
• Prevent unauthorized Hajj participation by foreign workers.
• Enhance immigration compliance and crowd management.
• While this measure is likely temporary, it places immediate pressure on employers, job seekers, and recruitment agencies.

Other Visa Restrictions

In tandem with the work visa suspension, Saudi Arabia has also paused various other visa categories, leading to broader travel disruptions:

• Umrah Visas: Applications for Umrah visas from the affected countries are currently on hold, especially during peak pilgrimage times. Although applications may be accepted, approvals are scarce.
• Family Visit Visas: Processing of family visit visas is temporarily halted, leaving many applications pending without updates.
• Business Visit Visas: Companies seeking to bring foreign professionals for meetings face delays, as many applications are being quietly denied.
• Tourist Visas: Starting February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will no longer issue multiple-entry tourist visas to citizens of the 14 affected countries, instead allowing only single-entry visas.

Upcoming Visa Policy Changes

As of February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will implement a ban on multiple-entry visas for the affected nations. Moving forward:

• Only single-entry visas will be issued.
• Existing multiple-entry visa holders may encounter issues at the border.
• This change applies across tourism, business, and family visit categories.

What Should Employers and Travelers Do?

• Employers: Explore alternatives for urgent hiring needs or consider candidates from countries not affected by the suspension.
• Travelers: Always confirm your visa status and entry rules before traveling.
• Recruitment Agencies: Inform clients about potential delays and prepare for longer lead times.
• Pilgrims and Visitors: Regularly check official Hajj and Umrah portals for updates on visa application reopenings.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s suspension of block work visas and various visa types presents significant challenges for foreign workers and travelers from 14 countries. This policy aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to manage Hajj and immigration flows and may ease after June 2025.

In the meantime, travelers and employers must remain vigilant, plan ahead, and stay informed through official channels.