Saudi Arabia Imposes Temporary Hold on Work Visit Visas for All

Key Takeaways

• Saudi Arabia suspended all Temporary Work Visas for all nationalities on April 28, 2025, indefinitely.
• The Qiwa platform removed the TWV quota option, halting new and pending applications with no timelines.
• The suspension supports Saudization goals, controls labor flows during Hajj, and impacts employers and foreign workers.

As of April 28, 2025, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has put a temporary hold on all Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) for every nationality. This sudden move, which affects both new and pending applications, has left many employers, foreign workers, and immigration professionals searching for answers. The change was made clear when the TWV quota option disappeared from the official Qiwa platform, Saudi Arabia’s main online portal for labor and immigration services. There is no official announcement or timeline for when the suspension will end, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has not issued any public statement explaining the decision or its expected duration.

This article explains what this suspension means, why it matters, and how it affects different groups. It also looks at the background of the TWV, the role of the Qiwa platform, and what steps employers and workers can take while waiting for further updates.

What Happened: The Suspension of Temporary Work Visas

On April 28, 2025, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 stopped issuing Temporary Work Visas for all nationalities. This includes:

• All new TWV applications: No new applications can be submitted.
• All pending TWV applications: Applications that were already in progress are now on hold.
• Qiwa platform update: The option to request TWV quotas has been removed, making it impossible to start or continue the process.

This suspension is indefinite. There is no official end date, and the government has not provided any guidance about when or if the process will resume.

Why Did Saudi Arabia Suspend Temporary Work Visas?

While the government has not given a public explanation, several factors appear to be involved:

• Hajj Season Controls: Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 often limits short-term visas during the busy Hajj pilgrimage season to manage crowds and ensure safety. This year, the government also suspended business, tourist, and family visit visas for nationals of 14 countries during Hajj, a restriction expected to last until at least the end of June 2025.
• Saudization Policy Expansion: The country is pushing to increase the number of Saudi nationals in the workforce, especially in sectors like tourism. The Saudization program requires companies to hire a certain percentage of Saudi citizens. In the tourism sector, quotas will rise from 30% to 100% between 2026 and 2028.
• Labor Market Reforms: The suspension fits into broader efforts to control labor flows, reduce reliance on foreign workers, and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic plan.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, experts from global mobility firms such as Newland Chase and Fragomen confirm that the suspension is part of a larger pattern of tightening labor policies and seasonal visa controls.

How the Qiwa Platform Fits In

The Qiwa platform is Saudi Arabia’s official online system for managing labor and immigration services. Before the suspension, employers used Qiwa to:

• Register their companies and request Temporary Work Visa quotas
• Check eligibility based on Saudization ratings, wage compliance, and other requirements
• Submit applications and receive immediate visa issuance for approved requests

On April 28, 2025, the Qiwa platform removed the TWV quota option. This change made it clear that the government was no longer accepting or processing these visa requests. For more information about the Qiwa platform and its services, you can visit the official Qiwa website.

Who Is Affected by the Suspension?

Employers

Companies in many sectors rely on Temporary Work Visas to bring in foreign workers for short-term projects. The suspension affects:

• Construction and Engineering: Many large projects depend on foreign specialists for short-term assignments.
• Information Technology (IT): Tech companies often bring in experts for system upgrades or troubleshooting.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics sometimes need foreign doctors or nurses for temporary coverage.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Hotels and event organizers hire foreign staff for busy seasons or special events.

These employers now face:

• Delays in project start dates
• Uncertainty in workforce planning
• Possible increased costs if they need to hire local staff or use more expensive long-term visas

Foreign Workers

Foreign professionals who planned to work in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 on a short-term basis are also affected. They may:

• Lose out on job opportunities and income
• Face delays in starting assignments
• Need to look for work in other countries or wait for the suspension to end

Immigration and Mobility Firms

Companies that help with immigration and global mobility, such as Newland Chase, Fragomen, and Envoy Global, are advising their clients to:

• Monitor updates from the Saudi government and Qiwa platform
• Consider alternative visa categories or long-term employment options
• Reassess staffing plans and consult with legal experts

The Saudi Government

The government’s main goals appear to be:

• Managing the flow of visitors during the Hajj season
• Supporting Saudization by encouraging companies to hire more Saudi nationals
• Ensuring public safety and controlling labor market changes as part of Vision 2030

What Was the Temporary Work Visa Process Before the Suspension?

Before April 28, 2025, the process for getting a Temporary Work Visa in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 was as follows:

1. Employer Registration: The company registered on the Qiwa platform.
2. Eligibility Check: The employer needed a valid Commercial Register, a good Saudization rating, and proof of wage compliance.
3. Application Submission: The employer submitted a request for a TWV quota through Qiwa.
4. Immediate Issuance: If approved, the visa was issued right away with minimal paperwork.
5. Visa Validity: The TWV was valid for 90 days and could be extended for another 90 days.

Currently, none of these steps are available. The process is on hold, and there is no way to apply for or receive a Temporary Work Visa at this time.

Why Is This Important? The Practical Impact

The suspension of Temporary Work Visas has several real-world effects:

• Project Delays: Companies that planned to bring in foreign workers for short-term assignments must now delay or change their plans.
• No Fast-Track Options: There is no way to speed up pending applications or request exceptions.
• Compliance Risks: Employers must make sure they meet new Saudization targets. Failing to do so could lead to fines or other penalties.
• Need for Alternative Solutions: Companies may need to hire Saudi nationals, use long-term employment visas, or find other ways to fill staffing gaps.

Saudization: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

Saudization is a government policy that requires companies to hire a certain percentage of Saudi citizens. The goal is to reduce unemployment among Saudi nationals and decrease reliance on foreign workers. The policy is especially important in sectors like tourism, where quotas will rise from 30% to 100% between 2026 and 2028.

For employers, this means:

• Stricter hiring rules: Companies must plan ahead to meet Saudization quotas.
• Possible operational disruptions: If they cannot find enough qualified Saudi workers, projects may be delayed or canceled.
• Increased need for training: Employers may need to invest in training Saudi nationals to fill roles previously held by foreign workers.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

The Evolution of Temporary Work Visas

Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 introduced the Temporary Work Visa in May 2023, replacing the older Work Visit Visa. The new TWV was designed to make it easier and faster for companies to bring in foreign professionals for short-term assignments. The process was streamlined, with fewer documents required and immediate visa issuance for approved applications.

Vision 2030

Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s long-term plan to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. One key part of this plan is to increase employment among Saudi nationals, especially in sectors like tourism, hospitality, and technology. The expansion of Saudization and the recent suspension of TWVs are both part of this broader strategy.

Seasonal Visa Controls

It is common for Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 to limit certain types of visas during the Hajj season, which brings millions of visitors to the country. These controls help manage crowds, ensure public safety, and support the smooth running of the pilgrimage.

What Should Employers and Workers Do Now?

With the suspension in place and no clear end date, here are some practical steps for those affected:

For Employers

• Review Staffing Plans: Identify which projects or roles are affected by the suspension.
• Consult Immigration Providers: Seek advice from experts such as Newland Chase, Fragomen, or Envoy Global.
• Explore Alternatives: Consider hiring Saudi nationals, using long-term employment visas, or adjusting project timelines.
• Stay Informed: Monitor updates from the MHRSD and the Qiwa platform for any changes.

For Foreign Workers

• Stay in Touch with Employers: Keep communication open about possible delays or changes.
• Look for Other Opportunities: Consider work in other countries or explore long-term employment options in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.
• Monitor Official Channels: Watch for updates from the Saudi government and trusted immigration providers.

For Immigration Professionals

• Advise Clients Proactively: Help employers understand the impact and plan for alternative solutions.
• Track Policy Changes: Stay updated on any announcements from the MHRSD or changes to the Qiwa platform.
• Support Compliance: Guide clients on meeting Saudization requirements and avoiding legal risks.

What’s Next? The Future Outlook

The suspension of Temporary Work Visas is indefinite. There is no official word on when the process will resume, and the government has not provided any guidance. However, several trends are likely:

• Stricter Saudization Enforcement: Expect more pressure on companies to hire Saudi nationals, especially in tourism and hospitality.
• Possible Further Restrictions: The government may introduce more rules as part of ongoing labor market reforms.
• Continued Monitoring Needed: Employers and workers should keep a close eye on official channels for any updates.

Where to Find Official Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use these resources:

• Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD): The main government body overseeing labor and immigration policy.
• Qiwa Platform: The official portal for labor and immigration services in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.
• Immigration Providers: Contact Newland Chase, Fragomen, or Envoy Global for case-specific advice.

Summary Table: Saudi Arabia Temporary Work Visa Suspension

Final Takeaways

The temporary hold on Temporary Work Visas in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is a major development for employers, foreign workers, and immigration professionals. With no clear end date and no official explanation, the best approach is to stay informed, review staffing plans, and consider alternative solutions. The Qiwa platform remains the main source for updates, and consulting with experienced immigration providers can help manage the uncertainty.

As Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 continues to push for more jobs for its citizens and manage labor flows during busy seasons, companies and workers must adapt to a changing immigration landscape. For now, patience and careful planning are key while waiting for further news from the Saudi government.

For more detailed analysis and ongoing updates, VisaVerge.com reports that monitoring official channels and seeking professional advice are the best ways to handle the current suspension and prepare for future changes.

Learn Today

Temporary Work Visa (TWV) → A visa for short-term work assignments in Saudi Arabia, valid up to 90 days, extendable once.
Qiwa platform → Saudi Arabia’s official online system for managing labor and immigration services, including visa applications.
Saudization → A government policy requiring companies to hire a certain percentage of Saudi nationals to boost local employment.
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) → The Saudi government body overseeing labor regulations and immigration policies.
Vision 2030 → Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic plan aiming to diversify the economy and increase Saudi workforce participation.

This Article in a Nutshell

On April 28, 2025, Saudi Arabia halted Temporary Work Visas for all nationalities with no end date. This affects employers, workers, and the labor market amid Saudization and seasonal visa controls, causing project delays and legal uncertainties while forcing a search for alternative staffing solutions.
— By VisaVerge.com