In a significant policy shift aimed at managing labour inflow during the peak Hajj season, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of blockwork visa quotas to Nigeria and nationals from 13 other countries. This decision, announced by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, is set to remain in effect until the end of June 2025, aligning with the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Blockwork visas are quota-based permits that allow Saudi employers to hire a set number of foreign workers. Once a quota is approved, it enables businesses to request work visas for specific candidates within that allocation. However, under the new directive, no new block visa quotas will be issued for employers targeting the affected countries, and previously approved applications may experience delays or cancellations.
The African countries directly impacted by the suspension include Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco. Additionally, other nations affected by the measure are Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh—bringing the total number of suspended countries to 14.
The ministry has also warned that applicants with pending work visa applications might face outright denials or prolonged delays. Furthermore, individuals who already possess valid work visas but have yet to enter Saudi Arabia may encounter entry restrictions.
While Saudi authorities have not provided an official reason for the move, the timing coincides with intensified efforts to implement Saudization policies. These policies are designed to increase employment opportunities for Saudi citizens, particularly in sectors such as tourism, with higher localization quotas planned between 2026 and 2028.
This suspension could have far-reaching implications, especially for African nations with significant numbers of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. A 2022 report by the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration and Population Programme, published by the Gulf Research Centre, revealed that over 10,000 Nigerians were employed by Saudi employers during the review period—primarily in domestic and low-wage sectors.
African migrant workers in the Kingdom have long faced serious challenges, including exploitation, abuse, and limited legal protection. The controversial Kafala sponsorship system has often been cited as a major contributor to these issues, granting employers considerable control over their workers and leaving many vulnerable to mistreatment.
The temporary suspension of blockwork visa quotas marks another chapter in Saudi Arabia’s evolving labour and immigration strategy, reflecting a balancing act between economic needs, national employment goals, and the logistical demands of hosting millions of pilgrims during Hajj.
