In a significant policy shift ahead of the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of block work visas for citizens from 14 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, and Turkey. The decision, effective from May 2025, is reportedly driven by security and administrative concerns, particularly regarding the misuse of visas for unauthorized Hajj participation.
Affected Countries:
- India
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Yemen
- Sudan
- Iraq
- Ethiopia
- Nigeria
- Libya
- Kenya
- Turkey
What Are Block Work Visas?
Block work visas are typically bulk pre-approved visas issued by Saudi authorities to Gulf-based companies, allowing them to hire foreign workers—commonly for domestic work, hospitality, and construction sectors. These visas form the backbone of workforce planning for many companies, especially during seasonal spikes in labour demand.
The suspension has alarmed employers who rely on this hiring model, particularly those engaged in preparation for the high-demand Hajj season. Industries that depend on short-term labour influxes may now face significant disruptions.
Unauthorised Hajj Entry: A Core Issue
The main concern, according to sources, is the rising trend of individuals entering the Kingdom on work, visit, or Umrah visas and then participating in the Hajj without the required Hajj permit. This practice created serious crowding and overwhelmed health and safety infrastructure during the 2024 pilgrimage.
To prevent similar challenges this year, Saudi authorities have opted to enforce stricter visa and entry controls, aiming to ensure that only those with valid, official Hajj visas are allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.
Although no formal statement has been released by Saudi officials, the suspension aligns with the Kingdom’s broader objective of maintaining order, safety, and proper logistical management during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
Labour Market Implications
The temporary ban has no defined timeline for resumption, creating uncertainty for companies that rely on semi-skilled and seasonal workers from the affected countries. Employers may now be compelled to:
- Seek alternative hiring routes
- Tap into local or third-country labour pools
- Delay or scale down operations
The move could also impact remittance flows and migrant workers’ job prospects in affected countries, especially during the peak Hajj and summer employment season.
Looking Ahead
While the policy aims to tighten control over pilgrimage management, it has sparked concerns over transparency and timing, especially in labour-supplying nations. It remains to be seen whether the Kingdom will provide further clarity or introduce alternative pathways for worker mobility in the coming months.
As the Hajj approaches, this decision underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring a safe and streamlined pilgrimage, even if it comes at a temporary cost to labour market flexibility.
