In a significant policy shift aimed at managing labour inflows during the peak pilgrimage season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of blockwork visa quotas to Nigeria and 13 other countries, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced.

The affected nations include seven African countries—Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco—as well as Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The freeze will remain in effect until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Blockwork visas are quota-based permits that allow Saudi employers to hire a set number of foreign workers. Once granted, businesses can use these quotas to process work visas for specific candidates. The suspension applies to both new and pending applications under this system.

While no official explanation was offered, the move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Saudization policy, which aims to boost local employment by requiring higher percentages of Saudi nationals in various sectors, particularly tourism. These quotas are expected to increase steadily through 2028.

Under the temporary ban, employers are barred from obtaining new block visa quotas for workers from the affected countries. Additionally, applicants with pending visas may face rejections or prolonged delays, and those with valid but unused work visas could encounter entry restrictions.

The suspension could impact thousands of workers from African and Asian countries who traditionally migrate to Saudi Arabia for employment, particularly in low-wage and domestic service sectors.