Saudi Arabia suspends Block Work Visa for Bangladesh

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of the 'Block Work Visa' for Bangladesh, along with several other visa categories including Umrah, Business, and Family visas.

The suspension, announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, will remain in effect until the end of June 2021.

The 'Block Work Visa' system allows Saudi employers to pre-approve quotas for hiring foreign workers. Once a quota is set, companies can apply for work entry visas for their selected candidates.

According to an AFP report, Saudi Arabia’s decision to limit block work visa quotas to citizens of only six countries is part of broader measures to manage internal travel and regulatory compliance during the busy Hajj season.

This move is expected to impact many foreign workers and businesses relying on foreign labor.

Additionally to Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia has also imposed visa restrictions on nationals from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.