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Saudi Arabia has paused block work visa quotas for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Egypt, until June 2025. Several other visa categories like Umrah, business, and family visit visas are also temporarily suspended.
Saudi Arabia has announced a significant temporary suspension of ‘block work visa quotas’ for nationals of 14 countries. This move will likely impact numerous foreign workers and businesses.
This critical pause, set to remain in effect until the end of June 2025, aligns with the conclusion of the upcoming Hajj season. The decision is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to manage inbound travel and ensure regulatory compliance during peak periods.
Saudi Arabia — Block Work Visas
No New Work Visas for Indians and 13 Others: At the forefront of these new regulations is the immediate pause in the issuance of ‘block work visa quotas’ for individuals from;
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Jordan
- Algeria
- Sudan
- Ethiopia
- Tunisia
- Yemen
- Morocco
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issued the decision, which will remain in effect until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the Hajj season.
What Are Block Work Visas?
A block work visa is a pre-approved quota that allows Saudi employers to recruit a specific number of foreign nationals. Once a quota is approved, companies can apply for work entry visas for their selected candidates.
However, with this temporary suspension:
- New quotas will not be issued for companies targeting the 14 listed countries.
- Delays are expected in processing even for previously approved quotas.
- Applicants with pending work entry visas may experience uncertainty or denial.
- Individuals who already have a valid work visa but haven’t entered Saudi Arabia may face entry restrictions.
Travellers are urged to verify their travel eligibility with their airline or the nearest Saudi diplomatic mission before departure.
Why the Pause?
The suspension appears to be part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to:
- Control labour market inflows during the busy Hajj season
- Prevent illegal Hajj participation by foreign workers
- Strengthen immigration compliance and crowd management
The move is likely temporary, but it places immediate pressure on employers, job seekers, and overseas recruitment agencies.
Crucial Advice for Work Visa Applicants
Affected individuals are strongly advised to confirm their travel eligibility directly with their airline before departure. Airlines will be operating based on the latest immigration directives, and this direct confirmation is essential to avoid being denied boarding or entry upon arrival.
Other Visa Restrictions Also in Place
In addition to the block visa pause, Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted several other visa categories, creating wider travel disruptions.
1. Umrah Visas
Applications for Umrah visas from the same 14 countries are currently on hold, especially around peak pilgrimage periods. Although systems may accept applications, approvals are rarely issued.
Family Visit Visas
Saudi Arabia has temporarily paused family visit visa processing for several countries. Many applications remain pending without updates, leaving families uncertain about reunion timelines and travel plans.
Business Visit Visas
Companies bringing in foreign professionals for meetings or short-term assignments face delays, as authorities hold or quietly deny some business visa applications without explanation.
Tourist Visas
As of February 1, 2025, Saudi authorities have stopped granting multiple-entry tourist visas to citizens of the 14 affected countries and now only consider single-entry visas.
Visa Policy Changes Effective February 2025
Starting February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia has banned multiple-entry visas for the 14 impacted nations. From this date forward:
- Only single-entry visas are permitted.
- Existing multiple-entry visa holders may face issues at the border.
- The change applies across tourism, business, and family visit categories.
What Should Travellers and Employers Do?
- Employers: Seek alternatives for urgent hiring needs or consider candidates from non-restricted countries.
- Travellers: Confirm visa status and entry rules before flying.
- Recruitment Agencies: Advise clients on delays and plan for long lead times.
- Pilgrims and Visitors: Monitor official Hajj and Umrah portals for updates on the reopening of visa applications.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s suspension of block work visa quotas and multiple visa types is a significant development affecting foreign workers and travellers from 14 countries. As the policy is likely tied to managing Hajj and immigration flows, it may ease post-June 2025.
