In a move set to significantly impact global labor markets, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of block work visas for nationals from 14 countries — including Pakistan, India, and Nigeria — until the end of June 2025. The suspension, coinciding with the Hajj season, is expected to disrupt sectors that heavily depend on migrant workers, such as construction and domestic labor.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has deactivated the block visa function from its Qiwa labor management platform. Block visas allow companies to recruit foreign workers in bulk, and the suspension halts new hiring under this system. Companies from the affected countries will not receive fresh quotas, and existing allocations may experience delays or rejections.
Pending work visa applications may also face postponements, while workers with valid but unused visas might encounter additional border restrictions. The 14 countries affected are: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, and Morocco.
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The decision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Saudization initiative — a long-term effort to increase employment opportunities for Saudi citizens. Local workforce quotas are expected to grow, particularly in the tourism and service sectors, from 2026 to 2028.
Saudi Arabia remains a key destination for African and Asian migrant workers, especially for domestic and low-wage jobs. However, the country’s labor practices — particularly under the criticized Kafala sponsorship system — have long raised concerns over workers’ rights and freedom.
This suspension follows other restrictions, such as delays in family visit visas and a halt on Umrah visa applications during peak periods, all impacting nationals from the same group of countries.
Authorities advise individuals to verify visa status before traveling and urge recruiting firms to inform clients of updated policies and longer processing timelines.
