Chennai: Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended block visas for 14 countries, including India. This has severely affected various workers and companies. Plans to work in Saudi Arabia, especially for Indians, have been temporarily hampered.
What is the main reason for this action?
This measure has been taken in view of the holy Hajj pilgrimage season. The Saudi government wants to avoid the situation of unauthorized persons participating in the Hajj pilgrimage. Furthermore, this decision has been taken to prevent visa irregularities, security issues, and overcrowding.
There has been a situation where some people have entered on work or visit visas and performed Hajj without permission under them. To prevent this, all work visas have been temporarily suspended.
Affected countries
This ban applies to the following countries from May 2025:
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Algeria, Indonesia, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tunisia
Impacts on the labor market
Workers from these countries are mostly recruited for sectors like construction and driving in Saudi Arabia. Now that visas have been suspended, new job opportunities have been hampered.
Recruitment agencies in countries like India and Bangladesh have revealed the economic impact this will have.
What is the future?
The Saudi government has not yet made any official announcement on when the ban will be lifted. There is an expectation that bulk visas may be issued again after the Hajj season is over.
Main objective
Through this action, the Saudi government:
- Ensures the safety of those participating in the Hajj pilgrimage
- Attempts to prevent visa fraud
- Temporarily restricts international employment opportunities
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