Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of the blockwork visa quota to Nigerians and nationals from six other African countries.
Other affected include Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Morocco.
The decision was announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
It will affect new and pending temporary work visa applications.
14 countries in total are on the list, including Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Blockwork visa allow employers in Saudi Arabia to hire a predetermined number of foreign workers.
Once approved, the quota allows businesses to apply for work visas for specific candidates.
The policy is expected to remain in place until the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.
While no official reason has been given, the freeze coincides with increased Saudization efforts, which mandate higher employment of Saudi nationals in sectors such as tourism, with quotas set to rise between 2026 and 2028.
According to the ministry, under the restrictions, no new block visa quota would be issued by employers targeting the affected African countries, while delays are expected in processing previously approved quotas.
