Saudi Arabia Suspends Blockwork Visa Quota For Nigeria, Other African Nations Amid Hajj Season

In a significant policy shift aimed at regulating inbound labour during the peak Hajj pilgrimage season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of blockwork visa quotas to Nigeria and six other African countries.

The affected African nations include Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco. The suspension is part of a broader decision impacting a total of 14 countries, also including Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Blockwork visas are quota-based permits that enable Saudi employers to hire a specified number of foreign workers. Once a quota is granted, businesses can apply for individual work visas for specific candidates.

The decision, announced by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, covers both new and pending applications for temporary work visas. It is part of the kingdom’s ongoing efforts to reinforce regulatory oversight in the areas of immigration and employment. The measure is expected to remain in effect until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.

While no official justification was provided, the move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s intensifying Saudization policies, which require increased employment of Saudi nationals—particularly in sectors like tourism. These quotas are projected to rise significantly between 2026 and 2028.

According to the ministry, under the current restrictions, employers will be unable to obtain new block visa quotas targeting the affected African countries. In addition, delays are anticipated in the processing of previously approved quotas. Pending work visa applications may face rejection or indefinite postponement, while individuals holding valid work visas who have not yet entered the country could encounter entry barriers.

Meanwhile, a 2022 report by the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration, and Population (GLMM) program under the Gulf Research Centre highlighted the extensive presence of African workers in Saudi Arabia, particularly in domestic and low-wage sectors.

Employment data by nationality from the same report revealed that 10,657 Nigerians were employed in Saudi Arabia during the period. Other figures include

• Egypt: 837,134

• Sudan: 354,988

• Morocco: 18,023

• Ethiopia: 16,719

• Tunisia: 12,311

• Algeria: 2,001

Despite the high numbers, African migrant workers in Saudi Arabia have long faced a range of difficulties. Reports have documented instances of exploitation, abuse, and inadequate legal protection. The country’s Kafala sponsorship system, under which many of these workers are employed, has been widely criticized for granting employers excessive control, often leaving workers vulnerable to mistreatment.

As the temporary visa freeze remains in place, observers suggest that affected countries and stakeholders will be watching closely for developments in the kingdom’s labour and immigration policies beyond the Hajj season.