In a recent Hajj policy update, Saudi Arabia has suspended the issuance of block work visas for citizens from 14 countries temporarily. These countries are Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Libya, Kenya, and Turkey. The significant decision, which took effect in May 2025, is being attributed to security and administrative concerns, particularly around the management of pilgrims and immigration compliance during the busy Hajj period.Reports further add that the decision is primarily intended to prevent visa misuse and unauthorised participation in the Hajj pilgrimage, even though Saudi authorities have not issued an official public statement related to this.Read more: 8 incredibly scenic visa-free island nations for Indian travellers
What are Block Work Visas?
These are mostly used by companies in the Gulf, who need them frequently to hire foreign labour. Usually, Saudi authorities pre-approve these visas in bulk, and employers then distribute them to employees from different nations. Reportedly, they are frequently employed in industries including domestic services, hospitality, and construction. The current suspension of this system for specific countries has raised concerns among employers who rely on this hiring route to meet labour demands.
Unofficial Hajj entry a key concern
According to the reports, a key factor behind the suspension is the concern that many individuals have been entering the Kingdom on work, visit, or Umrah visas and then participating in Hajj without proper permits. This led to serious logistical problems last year, including as crowding and a burden on the pilgrimage’s health and safety procedures.To avoid a repeat of these problems, Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter controls this year. Authorities want to ensure that only pilgrims with valid, officially issued Hajj visas are allowed to perform the ritual. The block visa suspension is expected to be one of several measures aimed at tightening these controls.
Impact on the labour market
While the move is being described as temporary, no clear timeline has been provided for the resumption of block work visas for the affected countries. Companies in a variety of industries, especially those that rely on seasonal or semi-skilled labour, may need to modify their employment strategies.Thousands of workers who were planning to enter Saudi Arabia using these visas are also probably going to be impacted by the suspension. Given that many workers had already started the visa application process, recruiters and agencies in nations like Bangladesh have voiced concerns about the move’s logistical and economic effects.Read more: J&K: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates world’s highest railway arch today: Chenab Bridge in 10 pointsSaudi Arabia’s suspension of block work visas for 14 countries comes as part of a broader effort to regulate the influx of visitors and workers during the critical Hajj period. Employers and prospective migrant workers face uncertainty as a result of the shift, even though it may reduce strain on infrastructure and increase safety. More information from Saudi authorities about the future of these visa procedures after the Hajj is anticipated as the pilgrimage season draws near.
