by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
In a major policy overhaul aimed at managing labour influx during the busy pilgrimage season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of block visa quotas to Nigeria and 13 other countries, most of which are in Africa and Asia.
The suspension, announced by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, affects both new and pending applications for temporary work visas under the block visa system—a quota-based mechanism that allows Saudi employers to recruit a set number of foreign workers.
Countries impacted by this decision include:
- African nations: Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco
- Asian and Middle Eastern nations: Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
According to the Ministry, this measure will remain in place until the end of June 2025, aligning with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage season. No official explanation has been provided for the suspension; however, it comes against the backdrop of intensifying Saudization policies—initiatives that require higher employment of Saudi nationals across various sectors, including tourism and services. These policies are expected to expand significantly between 2026 and 2028.
Implications of the Visa Freeze
Under the new restrictions:
- No new block visa quotas will be issued for employers recruiting from the affected countries.
- Previously approved quotas may face delays or be rescinded.
- Applicants with pending work visa requests may face denials or indefinite delays.
- Even those holding valid, unused work visas may encounter entry challenges into the Kingdom.
This suspension is likely to affect thousands of migrant workers, particularly those from African countries who typically occupy roles in domestic work, hospitality, and low-wage sectors.
Nigeria and African Countries Hard Hit
A 2022 report by the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration and Population Programme (GLMM) of the Gulf Research Centre highlighted Saudi Arabia’s dependence on African labour, especially for low-skilled jobs. According to the report:
- Nigeria had 10,657 citizens employed in Saudi Arabia.
- Sudan topped the list among African countries with 354,988 workers.
- Morocco had 18,023 workers, followed by Ethiopia (16,719), Tunisia (12,311), and Algeria (2,001).
Many of these workers have been vulnerable to systemic challenges, including lack of legal protections, abusive work conditions, and limited access to legal recourse—issues largely linked to the controversial Kafala sponsorship system, which has been widely criticized for enabling exploitative labor practices by tying workers’ legal status to their employers.
Broader Policy Context
Saudi Arabia’s latest move reflects a growing trend toward tighter immigration and labour control, especially during religious seasons when millions of pilgrims and temporary workers enter the country. By pausing the block visa program for select countries, the Kingdom appears to be recalibrating its foreign labour strategy, likely to balance domestic employment goals with security and logistical considerations.
While the suspension is temporary, the broader implications for foreign workers, particularly those from Africa and South Asia, could be long-lasting—affecting job prospects, family incomes, and the economies of labour-sending countries.