Saudi Arabia has put a temporary hold on work visas for citizens from India and 13 other countries. This restriction, which also impacts e-visas, family visit visas, and tourist visas, will remain in effect until June 30, 2025. The main reason behind this decision is to better manage the large crowds during the Hajj season and prevent visa misuse.
Millions of people are still in Saudi Arabia following the Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and draws millions of pilgrims to Mecca each year. This temporary suspension applies to citizens from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, and Morocco. However, diplomatic, residence, and Hajj-VIP visas are not affected.
The Saudi authorities implemented this measure with security and administrative concerns in mind, especially during Hajj 2025. Even though Hajj has concluded, a significant number of pilgrims are still visiting holy sites in and around Mecca and Medina. To prevent unauthorized entry and visa misuse, the Saudi administration has implemented strict measures, including drone surveillance, crowd management, and enhanced firefighting efforts.
This suspension is likely to affect thousands of workers who were planning to work in Saudi Arabia, particularly those in industries that rely on seasonal and semi-skilled labor. These industries may need to adjust their strategies. Workers who have valid visas but haven’t yet traveled to Saudi Arabia might experience delays or entry restrictions.
This move also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s “Saudization” policy, which aims to increase employment opportunities for its own citizens. This policy prioritizes local workers and seeks to control the number of foreign laborers.
Workers planning to travel to Saudi Arabia are advised to confirm their visa and entry eligibility with airlines or the nearest Saudi embassy before their journey. Recruitment agencies are also encouraged to prepare for potential delays and inform their clients accordingly.
This temporary halt poses short-term challenges for workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other affected countries. These nations send the largest number of workers, primarily unskilled and skilled laborers, to various cities across Saudi Arabia.
