Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of blockwork visa quotas for Nigeria and 13 other countries, according to an announcement from the Kingdom's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

The suspension affects seven African countries in total, including Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco. Other affected nations are Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

The policy will impact both new applications and pending temporary work visa requests. Blockwork visas are permits that allow Saudi employers to hire a predetermined number of foreign workers. Once approved, these quotas enable businesses to apply for work visas for specific candidates.

Suspension Timeline and Possible Reasons

The suspension is expected to remain in effect until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season. While Saudi authorities have not provided an official reason for the freeze, the timing aligns with increased "Saudization" efforts—a government initiative aimed at boosting employment of Saudi nationals in various sectors.

The Saudization program is particularly focused on the tourism sector, with employment quotas for Saudi nationals set to increase between 2026 and 2028.

Impact on Visa Processing

According to the ministry, under the new restrictions, no new blockwork visa quotas will be issued to employers targeting workers from the affected countries. Additionally, delays are expected in processing previously approved quotas.

This development comes at a time when thousands of Nigerian pilgrims are being airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria reporting that 79% of Nigerian pilgrims have already been transported to the Kingdom.

The suspension could potentially affect employment opportunities for Nigerians and nationals from other affected countries who were planning to seek work in Saudi Arabia in the coming year.