Saudi Arabia Suspends Blockwork Visa, Impacting Nigeria and 13 Other Countries

Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of blockwork visa quotas for Nigerians and nationals from six other African countries.

The affected countries include Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development made the announcement, stating that the suspension will impact both new and pending applications for temporary work visas.

In total, 14 countries are included on the list, among them Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Blockwork visas permit Saudi employers to recruit a specified number of foreign workers.

Once authorized, the quota enables businesses to submit work visa applications for designated individuals.

This policy is expected to stay in effect until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.

Although no official reason has been provided, the suspension coincides with intensified Saudization initiatives, which require higher employment of Saudi nationals in sectors like tourism, with quotas expected to increase between 2026 and 2028.

According to the ministry, under these restrictions, employers targeting the affected African countries will not be issued new block visa quotas, and delays are anticipated in the processing of already approved quotas.