The blockwork visa quota for Nigerians and citizens of six other African nations has been temporarily halted by Saudi Arabia.

Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco are among the other countries impacted.

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Resources made the announcement.

Both new and pending applications for temporary work visas will be impacted.

The list includes 14 nations in total, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Yemen, Jordan, Indonesia, and Iraq.

Employers in Saudi Arabia are permitted to engage a set number of foreign workers under the terms of the blockwork visa.

Businesses are able to apply for work visas for particular people once the quota has been authorized.

It is anticipated that the policy will be in effect until the end of June 2025, which is when the Hajj season ends.

Although no formal explanation has been provided, the freeze comes as Saudi Arabia is stepping up its attempts to expand Saudization, which calls for more Saudi citizens to work in industries like tourism, with quotas expected to grow between 2026 and 2028.

According to the ministry, firms targeting the impacted African nations would not be able to issue any new block visa quotas under the limitations, and processing previously granted quotas would likely be delayed.