Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of the block-work visa quota to Nigerians and nationals from Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.
The decision was announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and it will affect new and pending temporary work visa applications.
Block-work visa allows employers in Saudi Arabia to hire a predetermined number of foreign workers, and once approved, the quota allows businesses to apply for work visas for specific candidates.
14 countries in total are on the list, including Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
While no official reason has been given, the freeze coincides with increased Saudization efforts, which mandate higher employment of Saudi nationals in sectors such as tourism, with quotas set to rise between 2026 and 2028.
According to the ministry, under the restrictions, no new block visa quota would be issued by employers targeting the affected African countries, while delays are expected in processing previously approved quotas.