Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has temporarily suspended the issuance of block work visa quotas.
The decision will affect foreign workers and businesses from a total of 14 countries, VisaGuide.World reports.
The Ministry has emphasized that the new changes will be kept in place until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the Hajj season.
According to local media reports, the new changes will affect nationals of the following countries: Algeria, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Blockwork Visa to Fill in Labor Shortage Gaps
Blockwork visas are quota-based permits that permit employers in Saudi Arabia to hire foreign workers. Once approved, the quota permits businesses to apply for work visas for selected candidates under the system.
But the new changes mean that no new quotas will be issued for employers targeting workers from several countries, while the processing of previously approved quotas may also be subject to delays.
Back in April, authorities in Saudi Arabia imposed a temporary visa ban on nationals from the same 14 countries, particularly aimed at those who attempt to perform Hajj without proper authorization by reaching the country on multiple-entry visas and overstaying in an irregular way.
Thousands of Indonesians Affected by New Visa Rules
Earlier today, it was reported that a large number of Indian pilgrims hoping to perform Hajj through the furoda visa (a unique category) have been left stranded after Saudi Arabia stopped the issuance of these visas for the 2025 pilgrimage season.
The new decision came a week after the ritual of Arafat on June 5.
Ban on Children for Hajj 2025
Earlier this year, it was reported that the country decided to ban children from the Hajj 2025, banning pilgrims from bringing their children with them to the holy site.
The decision, according to the Ministry, comes in a bid to ensure the safety of children and safeguard them from risks that can come from overcrowding during the Hajj pilgrimage.
This step has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to mitigate any potential harm during the Hajj pilgrimage.
In addition, the Ministry also said that the registration for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage will be on a first-come first-served basis.
The sudden visa suspension announced earlier this year by Saudi Arabia has made the Indonesian Alliance of Haramain Entrepreneurs (Asphirasi) ask the government to take action and impose clear rules in order to better protect people.