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In a decision impacting millions of migrant workers and recruiting companies, Saudi Arabia has suspended block work visa quotas for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several African and Middle Eastern nations. This freeze will remain in effect until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the annual Hajj season.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has removed the visa quota function from its labour portal, Qiwa, halting both new applications and potentially delaying or cancelling previously approved ones. This disruption is expected to hit sectors like construction, domestic labour, and hospitality, which heavily depend on foreign workers.
The affected countries are: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, and Morocco.
The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing Saudization policy, aiming to increase local employment by reducing dependence on migrant labour, especially in sectors like tourism and services.
While no official reason has been released, employers and migrant hopefuls are advised to confirm visa status before travel, as even valid visa holders might face entry restrictions. Recruitment agencies must prepare for significant delays and uncertainty.
This suspension follows recent restrictions on family visit visas and Umrah visas, similarly affecting the same set of nations.
Despite challenges such as the controversial Kafala system, many workers continue to seek employment in Saudi Arabia due to economic necessity and the importance of remittances for their home countries.
