Saudi Arabia Clarifies ‘Block Work Visa’ Reports: Temporary Haj Restrictions, Not a Ban

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th June: Recent reports claiming Saudi Arabia had halted “block work visas” for India and 13 other nations have been clarified. Sources close to news agency ANI confirm that any such short-term visa restrictions are a standard procedure during the Haj pilgrimage to manage crowds and should not be misinterpreted as a long-term ban on work visas.

Earlier, the Arab Times had published a report stating that work visas would not be issued for workers from various countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt. This decision, reportedly effective May 2025, was attributed to security and administrative concerns, particularly regarding pilgrim management during Haj and immigration compliance. The report suggested the restrictions might last until the end of June, potentially causing prolonged impact.

However, sources have now definitively told ANI that reports of ongoing restrictions on Indians traveling to Saudi Arabia are incorrect. Official channels have confirmed that temporary bans on short-term visas are indeed enacted during the Haj season. This is a common, temporary measure designed to control the large influx of pilgrims and prevent overcrowding, and it typically ends once the Haj season concludes.

“Block work visas” are a mechanism Gulf companies use to hire foreign workers. Saudi authorities usually pre-approve these visas in bulk, allowing companies to recruit individuals abroad and then provide them with the necessary visa to work in Saudi Arabia. This system is frequently used for hiring in sectors like domestic services, hospitality, and construction.