In a major policy shift aimed at managing labour inflow during the peak Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of blockwork visa quotas to Nigeria and six other African countries. The affected nations include Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco.
The move, announced by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, extends to 14 countries in total, also impacting nationals from Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Blockwork visas are quota-based permits that allow Saudi employers to recruit a fixed number of foreign workers. Once approved, the quota enables companies to apply for work visas for selected individuals. However, under the new directive, both new and pending applications for temporary work visas are suspended.
The restriction, which runs until the end of June 2025 coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season is part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight in immigration and employment. Although no specific reason was given, the suspension aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Saudization initiative, which mandates higher employment of Saudi nationals, particularly in the tourism sector, with increased targets set for 2026 to 2028.
Employers targeting the affected African nations will no longer receive new visa quotas, while delays are expected in processing previously approved requests. Pending visa applicants may face rejections or indefinite delays, and those holding valid work visas but yet to enter Saudi Arabia may encounter entry restrictions.
According to a 2022 report by the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration and Population Programme, Saudi Arabia hosts a significant number of African migrant workers, especially in domestic and low-wage jobs. The report noted 10,657 Nigerians employed during the period, with Egypt leading among African nations with 837,134 workers, followed by Sudan (354,988), Morocco (18,023), Ethiopia (16,719), Tunisia (12,311), and Algeria (2,001).
African workers in Saudi Arabia have often faced challenges, including exploitation, abuse, and limited legal protections. The country’s Kafala system, which ties workers’ residency to their employers, has been widely criticized for enabling such vulnerabilities.
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