Saudi Arabia Temporary Halts Block Work Visas for 14 Countries Including India: Will It Impact Travellers too?

Saudi Arabia has temporarily stopped issuing 'block work visas' to nationals from 14 countries, including India. This suspension, announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, will last until June 2025, aligning with the Hajj season. The decision is expected to significantly affect foreign workers and businesses relying on these visas.

Block work visas are pre-approved quotas allowing Saudi companies to hire a specific number of foreign workers. Once approved, firms can apply for entry visas for selected candidates under this system. However, this option has been removed from the Kingdom's labour management portal, Qiwa.

Saudi Arabia Visa Ban: Impact on Indian and Foreign Workers

The suspension affects both new and pending applications for temporary work visas (TWV) from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, and Morocco. Companies targeting workers from these nations will not receive new quotas during this period.

Applications for pending work entry visas may be postponed or rejected. Those with valid work visas who have not yet reached Saudi Arabia might face entry restrictions. This situation creates uncertainty in sectors heavily reliant on foreign labour such as construction and domestic services.

What are Reasons Behind Visa Suspension?

Although Saudi Arabian authorities have not given an official reason for the visa suspension, it appears to be part of their plan to create more job opportunities for Saudi citizens. This effort, known as Saudization, aims to increase the number of local workers in industries such as tourism between 2026 and 2028.

Saudi Arabia remains a major destination for African migrant workers in domestic and low-wage sectors. Ethiopia and Kenya are significant contributors to this workforce. Despite challenges like exploitation and inadequate legal protections under the Kafala sponsorship system, economic pressures drive migration.

Additional Visa Restrictions

Other visa restrictions include delays in family visit permits and a halt on Umrah visa applications from the same 14 countries during peak seasons. These measures have left many applications pending and families uncertain about their status.

Migrant workers often face difficulties in Saudi Arabia due to the Kafala system that grants employers significant control over them. Reports highlight issues of exploitation and abuse under this system. Despite these challenges, remittances remain crucial for supporting families back home.

Saudi Arabia Visa Blockage: Will It Impact Indian Travellers too?

However, according to sources from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) cited by MoneyControl, the Saudi government has not issued any official notification restricting Indian travellers. The current visa limitations are described as routine, temporary measures implemented each year during the Hajj season to manage the flow of pilgrims and ensure their safety.

Earlier in April, Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended certain visa categories, including Umrah, business, and family visit visas, for 14 countries, including India. These seasonal restrictions were introduced in May 2025 to manage pilgrim traffic and ensure compliance with immigration protocols during Hajj. The suspension will remain until June 30, 2025, coinciding with the end of Hajj.

Saudi Arabia Temporary Visa Curbs During Hajj

The temporary visa curbs are standard practice during the Hajj season. Government sources informed news agency ANI that these short-term restrictions are procedural and imposed annually to prevent overcrowding in holy cities. Once the pilgrimage concludes, normal travel operations resume as these limitations are lifted.

The countries affected by these temporary suspensions include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Iraq, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Yemen. It is crucial to understand that these measures are administrative decisions aimed at crowd control and safety during one of the largest annual religious gatherings globally.