Saudi Arabia halts visa issuance for 14 countries including Pakistan

In a significant policy shift ahead of the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has announced the halt of the provision of all types of work visas to citizens of 14 countries, including Pakistan. The move is part of a broader effort to control illegal immigration flows, prevent overcrowding, and curb illegal participation in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

According to a statement released by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the visa issuance was halted until the end of June 2025, for the following countries are Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.

Block work visas, commonly used by Saudi companies to recruit foreign workers, are pre-approved quotas allocated to firms for hiring staff from specific countries. 

Read: More than 4,000 Pakistani passports cancelled over Saudi complaint

With this suspension, no new applications will be accepted from the listed nations. Existing applications may be delayed or rejected, and individuals who have received a visa but have not yet entered Saudi Arabia may encounter difficulties in entering the Kingdom.

In addition to work visas, the Saudi government temporarily suspended the issuance of visas for Umrah, family visit, business, and tourism for several of the affected countries.

Authorities emphasised that the restrictions are temporary and are expected to be lifted after the Hajj season, with the ban currently set to remain in effect until the end of June 2025.

This decision came as Saudi Arabia intensifies its preparations for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, aiming to ensure safety, order, and compliance with legal procedures for all pilgrims.