Saudi Arabia Removes Temporary Work Visa Ban for 13 Countries

Saudi Arabia has reopened its doors to temporary foreign workers after a long pause due to the Hajj season in 2025. While most nationalities can now apply for Temporary Work Visas (TWVs), Ethiopian nationals remain suspended without a clear timeline for when they might be eligible again.

Visa Resumption

As of late July 2025, Saudi Arabia has resumed issuing TWVs for citizens from the following countries:

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

However, Ethiopian applicants still face restrictions with no indication of when they might be allowed to apply.

This decision follows a complete halt in TWV processing that began in April, when the Qiwa platform, used for managing work permits, removed the option. Although there was no official announcement, employers quickly realized applications were stalled and hiring plans were disrupted.

Understanding Temporary Work Visas (TWVs)

Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) serve as Saudi Arabia’s expedited method for bringing in foreign workers for short-term assignments. These visas are valid for up to 90 days and can be extended if necessary. They are commonly utilized in sectors such as:

• Construction and engineering
• Oil and gas
• Information technology and tech deployments
• Conferences and major events

For employers, TWVs provide a swift and efficient alternative to long-term work permits, particularly for immediate project needs.

The Reason Behind the Visa Freeze

The freeze on TWVs likely stemmed from the Hajj season in 2025. Each year, Saudi Arabia imposes restrictions on various visa categories during this pilgrimage to manage crowd control and resource allocation. This year’s restrictions were broader and less transparent, impacting not only TWVs but also:

• Tourist e-visas
• Visa-on-Arrival options
• Umrah permits
• Entry for certain family and business visitors

Conclusion

For employers eager to bring in foreign talent for short-term projects, TWVs are now available—except for Ethiopian candidates. Meanwhile, travelers hoping for normal visa operations in Saudi Arabia can now find many routes open again.

Despite the return to normalcy, the uncertainty surrounding the TWV freeze and the ongoing suspension for Ethiopia raises concerns about how Saudi Arabia will manage future seasonal visa restrictions. Nonetheless, it seems that business operations are gradually returning to normal.