Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of the
blockwork visa quota to Nigerians and nationals from six other African
countries.
Other affected include Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia,
Tunisia and Morocco.
The decision was announced by the Ministry of Human
Resources and Social Development.
It will affect new and pending temporary work visa
applications.
14 countries in total are on the list, including Indonesia,
Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Blockwork visa allow employers in Saudi Arabia to hire a
predetermined number of foreign workers.
Once approved, the quota allows businesses to apply for work
visas for specific candidates.
The policy is expected to remain in place until the end of
June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.
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.
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