Saudi Arabia suspends block work visas on Nigeria, other countries

…Suspension to remain in effect till end of Hajj season

Saudi Arabia has suspended the issuance of block work visas for nationals from seven African countries, including Nigeria.

Reports suggest the suspension will remain in effect until the conclusion of the Hajj season in June 2025, and could significantly impact labour migration and remittance flows.

A block visa is a pre-approval mechanism granted by the ministry of human resources and social development that allows companies to recruit a specific number of foreign nationals.

This has now been removed from the Kingdom’s labour management portal, Qiwa.
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This pause is expected to remain in place until the end of June 2025, in alignment with the conclusion of the Hajj season

The suspension, which affects a total of 14 countries, halts both new and pending applications for temporary work visas (TWV). The affected African countries asides Nigeria, are Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco.

Other countries impacted by the decision are Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

According to Envoy Global, the removal of the block work visa quota has created uncertainty, particularly in sectors reliant on foreign labour, such as construction and domestic work.

Although Saudi authorities have not provided an official reason for the suspension, the move aligns with intensified Saudization efforts, aimed at increasing the employment of Saudi nationals. These efforts include expanding local workforce quotas in industries such as tourism, with targets expected to rise between 2026 and 2028.

This could indicate a broader shift in labour policies across the Gulf, potentially altering employment dynamics between Africa and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia remains a key destination for African migrant workers, particularly in the domestic and low-wage sectors. Ethiopia and Kenya are among the leading contributors to this labour force.

However, migrant workers in Saudi Arabia frequently face difficulties, with reports highlighting exploitation, abuse, and inadequate legal protections. The country’s Kafala sponsorship system, which grants employers significant control over foreign workers, has been widely criticised for enabling mistreatment and limiting workers’ freedoms.

Despite these challenges, economic pressures continue to drive labour migration from African countries to Saudi Arabia, with remittances playing a vital role in supporting families and bolstering home economies.