Saudi Arabia suspends work visas for Nigeria, 13 other countries

Saudi Arabia suspends work visas for Nigeria, 13 other countries

Saudi Arabia has given an issuance of block work visas for Nigeria and 13 other countries which are: Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Morocco, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, the Saudi Arabia’s minister of human resources and social development, confirmed that this temporary suspension on Saturday, May 31 with the aim of managing the influx of foreign labour during peak pilgrimage periods.

AlRajhi stated that the suspension applies to both new and pending applications for temporary work visas, adding that this measure is part of broader efforts by the Saudi government to enhance regulatory control over immigration and employment.

The suspension is expected to remain in effect until June 2025, aligning with the end of the Hajj pilgrimage season.

AlRajhi noted that the move aligns with the ongoing Saudization policies, which aim to increase the employment of Saudi nationals in key sectors like tourism.

He stated that the national hiring quotas are set to increase between 2026 and 2028.

1: No new block visa quotas will be issued for employers recruiting from the affected African nations.

2. Delays are likely in processing previously approved quotas.

3. Applicants with pending visa applications may face rejections or indefinite postponements.

4. Individuals with valid work visas who have not yet entered Saudi Arabia may encounter entry restrictions.

5: Block work visas are quota-based authorizations that allow Saudi employers to recruit a set number of foreign workers.

6: Once a quota is approved, employers can apply for individual work visas for selected candidates.