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Saudi Arabia Suspends Temporary Work Visas for Nationals of 17 Countries

February 10, 2026 4:55 am

Saudi Arabia Suspends Temporary Work Visas for Nationals of 17 Countries

Saudi Arabia has enacted a sudden suspension of Temporary Work Visas for citizens from 17 specific nations. This decision affects individuals seeking short-term work opportunities and disrupts plans for foreign workers and their employers. Effective immediately, Saudi Arabia has put a hold on issuing Temporary Work Visas to nationals from the following countries:

Algeria
Egypt
Ethiopia
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Libya
Morocco
Nigeria
Pakistan
Somalia
Sudan
Tunisia
Türkiye
Yemen

If you are a passport holder from any of these nations, please be aware that submitting new Temporary Work Visa applications is currently not an option. No formal announcements have accompanied this decision, but immigration experts and employers report a complete halt in both processing and acceptance of applications.

Understanding Temporary Work Visas in Saudi Arabia

Temporary Work Visas enable foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia for short-term assignments. These visas are typically used for:

Project-based work
Technical repairs or installations
Short-term consulting engagements
Training and supervision roles

Unlike long-term employment visas, Temporary Work Visas are generally valid for a few weeks or months and do not grant residency.

Reasons Behind the Suspension

Official statements from Saudi authorities regarding this suspension have not been released. However, some experts suggest a few potential factors:

Tightening Controls: Saudi Arabia aims to enhance labor and immigration regulations as part of broader workforce reforms. They prefer regulated long-term employment over short-term entries.
Misuse Concerns: There have been rising worries about Temporary Work Visas being exploited for extended stays or informal work.
Administrative Constraints: The suspension may also be related to ongoing assessments of labor market needs and compliance checks.

Overall, this suspension seems to be a regulatory measure rather than a permanent prohibition.

Implications for Foreign Workers

The suspension has immediate and tangible implications for foreign workers.
Individuals with plans for short-term assignments in Saudi Arabia may experience delays or cancellations.
Even well-prepared applications are unlikely to proceed during this time.
Workers depending on short project roles should consider alternative visa options or defer travel plans.
It’s crucial to note that existing valid visas will not be affected by this suspension.

Challenges for Employers

Businesses utilizing overseas talent for short-term projects will need to adapt swiftly.
Project timelines may need adjustments.
Staffing strategies could require significant revisions.
Some employers might explore long-term work visa options or look to hire locally.
Immigration professionals advise employers to examine available visa pathways and avoid last-minute staffing deployments carefully.

Is the Suspension Permanent?

As of now, there is no official timeline indicating when the suspension might end. Previous similar pauses have been temporary, often lifted after internal assessments. However, applicants should be prepared for a lengthy wait and approach the situation with caution.

Recommendations for Affected Foreign Workers

If you are among those impacted by this suspension, here are some steps to consider:

Refrain from submitting new Temporary Work Visa applications for now.
Discuss alternative visa options with your employer.
Stay informed through official communications or licensed immigration consultants.

In these uncertain times, patience and adaptability are crucial. While Saudi Arabia continues to value foreign workers, the regulations around short-term employment are becoming increasingly stringent.