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International Desk : Saudi government has suspended the ‘block work visa’ quota for 14 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Egypt, until June 2025. Additionally, several other visa categories, such as Umrah, business, and family visit visas, have also been temporarily halted. According to a report by AFP, this decision was issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
The move is likely to impact numerous foreign workers and businesses from the affected countries. The decision aligns with the conclusion of the upcoming Hajj season and is part of broader efforts to manage internal travel and ensure regulatory compliance during peak periods.
The countries affected by this new regulation include Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco. The suspension will remain in effect until the end of June 2025.
The ‘block work visa’ is a pre-approved quota that allows Saudi employers to hire a specific number of foreign workers. Once approved, companies can apply for work entry visas for their selected candidates, often referred to as group visas.
AI/MR
