Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended issuance of the blockwork visa quota to Nigerians and nationals from six other African countries. Other affected include Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Morocco. The suspension, which affected 14 countries in all, impacted other nations such as Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a new “Blockwork visa” system, which allocates a fixed number of work permits to employers. Once granted, these quotas enable businesses to apply for work visas for specific candidates. This policy impacts both new and pending temporary work visa applications.
The measure formed part of broader efforts by the Kingdom to tighten regulatory oversight across immigration and employment, and would remain in place until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.
The ministry stated that, under the new restrictions, employers will not be granted new block visa quotas for workers from the affected African countries, and there will likely be delays in processing quotas that were previously approved. Also, individuals with pending work visa applications may experience denials or prolonged delays, while those who already hold valid work visas but have not yet entered Saudi Arabia could face entry restrictions.
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