Saudi Arabia has implemented a temporary suspension of blockwork visa quotas for Nigeria and six other African countries – Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco – as part of a broader policy shift to regulate foreign labor during peak pilgrimage periods.
The measure, announced by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, also affects nationals from Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Blockwork visas are quota-based permits that allow Saudi employers to hire a predetermined number of foreign workers. Once approved, businesses can apply for individual work visas for specific candidates.
The suspension impacts both new and pending temporary work visa applications and will remain in effect until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.
While no official reason was provided, the freeze aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing Saudization efforts, which aim to increase employment of Saudi nationals in key sectors like tourism. Quotas for local hires are set to rise between 2026 and 2028.
Under the new restrictions, employers will no longer receive new block visa quotas for workers from the affected African countries. Previously approved quotas may face processing delays.
Applicants with pending work visas could experience denials or indefinite hold-ups. Those holding valid work visas who have not yet entered Saudi Arabia may encounter entry restrictions.
A 2022 report by the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration and Population programme revealed that Saudi Arabia employs a significant number of African migrant workers, particularly in domestic and low-wage sectors.
Employment data by nationality showed Egypt with 837,134 workers, Sudan with 354,988 workers, Nigeria with 10,657 workers, Morocco with 18,023 workers, Ethiopia with 16,719 workers, Tunisia with 12,311 workers, and Algeria with 2,001 workers.
However, African migrant workers in Saudi Arabia often face challenges, including exploitation, abuse, and limited legal protections. The Kafala sponsorship system, which ties workers’ legal status to their employers, has been widely criticized for enabling excessive control, leaving many vulnerable to mistreatment.
The temporary freeze is seen as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to tighten immigration and employment regulations. Analysts suggest it could be linked to Hajj season workforce management, reducing non-essential labor entries during peak pilgrimage periods.
It also aligns with the Saudization push to prioritize local hires over foreign workers in certain industries and addresses past issues of labor exploitation and illegal employment.
For affected countries like Nigeria, where remittances from Saudi-based workers contribute to the economy, the suspension may have financial repercussions. Meanwhile, workers with pending applications face uncertainty, and those already in the Kingdom may experience heightened scrutiny.
The Saudi government has yet to clarify whether exceptions will be made for critical sectors or if the policy will be reviewed before the June 2025 deadline.