Saudi Visa Update Sparks Panic Among Nationals from Algeria, Bangladesh, India

Key Takeaways

• Saudi Arabia allows only single-entry visit visas up to 90 days for nationals of 14 countries since July 1, 2025.
• Block work visa quotas resumed June 12, 2025, enabling employers to recruit workers from affected countries.
• Multiple-entry visit visas remain suspended to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation and manage immigration control.

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 Visa Policy Shifts: What Nationals from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, and Others Need to Know

Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has made major changes to its visa policies in 2025, causing concern and confusion for nationals from 14 countries, including Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, and India. These changes affect visit visas, work visas, and travel plans for millions of people. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening, why these rules changed, and what travelers, employers, and families need to do now.

Who is affected?
Nationals from the following 14 countries face new restrictions and procedures:
– Algeria
– Bangladesh
– Egypt
– Ethiopia
– India
– Indonesia
– Iraq
– Jordan
– Morocco
– Nigeria
– Pakistan
– Sudan
– Tunisia
– Yemen

What changed?
As of July 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia lifted a temporary suspension on visit visas for these countries. However, only single-entry visit visas are now available, with a maximum stay of up to 90 days. Multiple-entry visit visas remain suspended. Block work visa quotas, which allow companies to hire foreign workers, were also paused during the Hajj season but have now resumed.

Why did Saudi Arabia make these changes?
The main reasons are:
– Preventing unauthorized Hajj participation: Many people entered Saudi Arabia on visit or work visas and then joined the Hajj pilgrimage without proper permits. This led to dangerous overcrowding during the 2024 Hajj, where over 1,200 people died due to heat and crowding.
– Immigration control: Some visitors used long-term visas to stay illegally or work without permission.
– Managing the Hajj season: The government wanted to reduce the number of unauthorized visitors during this busy period.

Let’s break down the details, what they mean for different groups, and what steps you should take if you’re affected.

Recent Visa Policy Timeline: Key Dates and Changes

Saudi Arabia’s visa rules for nationals from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, and the other listed countries have changed several times in 2025. Here’s a summary of the most important changes:

• February 1, 2025: Only single-entry visit visas were issued for business, tourism, and family visits. Multiple-entry visas were suspended.
• April 13–29, 2025: All short-term visas for these countries were temporarily suspended. Nationals with valid visas had to leave by April 29 or risk fines and future bans.
• May 2025: Block work visa quotas for these countries were paused. No new work visas were issued during this time.
• June 12, 2025: Block work visa quotas were reinstated, allowing companies to hire workers from these countries again.
• June 30–July 1, 2025: The suspension on visit visa issuance was lifted, but only single-entry visas (up to 90 days) are now available.

Current Visa Procedures for Nationals from the 14 Countries

If you are from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, or any of the other affected countries, here’s what you need to know about applying for Saudi Arabia visas in July 2025:

Visit Visas (Business, Tourism, Family)

• Only single-entry visas are available. You can visit Saudi Arabia once, for up to 90 days.
• Multiple-entry visit visas are still suspended. You cannot get a visa that allows you to enter and leave Saudi Arabia multiple times.
• Application process: You need a Letter of Invitation, but the final decision on your visa’s validity and entry permission is up to Saudi authorities.
• Apply at least one month in advance to avoid delays.
• Check with your airline before traveling to make sure you meet all current requirements.

Block Work Visas

• Block work visa quotas are now being issued again for these 14 countries. This means companies can hire new workers from these countries.
• Employers should confirm the latest requirements and make sure all documents are valid for at least three months.
• Workers with valid entry visas can travel to Saudi Arabia to complete their residency process, but should check with their airline before departure.

Hajj, Umrah, Diplomatic, and Residency Visas

• No changes to these categories. Hajj and Umrah visas are still issued through official channels, with strict quotas and controls.
• Diplomatic and residency visas follow standard procedures.

Why Did Saudi Arabia Change Its Visa Policies?

Saudi Arabia’s visa changes in 2025 were driven by several urgent concerns:

Preventing Unauthorized Hajj Participation

During the 2024 Hajj, many people from the affected countries entered Saudi Arabia on visit, work, or Umrah visas and then joined the Hajj without proper permits. This led to dangerous overcrowding and contributed to over 1,200 deaths due to heat and crowding. Saudi authorities want to make sure only those with official Hajj permits can participate, to protect public safety and manage the large number of pilgrims.

Immigration Control and Security

Some visitors used long-term, multiple-entry visas to stay in Saudi Arabia illegally or to work without permission. By limiting visit visas to single-entry and shorter stays, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce illegal overstays and unauthorized work.

Managing the Hajj Season

The temporary suspensions and restrictions were timed to coincide with the busy Hajj season. This helped Saudi Arabia control the number of visitors and reduce pressure on infrastructure, transportation, and public services.

Practical Implications for Travelers, Employers, and Families

These visa changes have real impacts on people’s lives and businesses. Here’s what you need to know if you’re affected:

For Travelers and Families

• Plan for single-entry visits only. If you need to visit Saudi Arabia for business, tourism, or family reasons, you can only get a single-entry visa for up to 90 days.
• No multiple-entry visas. If you travel frequently to Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to apply for a new visa each time.
• Apply early. Start your application at least one month before your planned trip.
• Check with airlines and embassies. Rules can change quickly, and enforcement can vary. Always confirm your eligibility before traveling.
• If you stayed past the exit deadline during the suspension, you could face fines up to SAR 100,000 and future entry bans.

For Employers and Recruitment Agencies

• Block work visa quotas are back. Companies can now hire workers from the 14 affected countries, but should check for any new requirements.
• Expect more paperwork and longer timelines. The process may take longer, and you’ll need to make sure all documents are valid for at least three months.
• Plan for possible delays. Recruitment and onboarding may take longer than before, especially for seasonal or semi-skilled jobs.

For Workers

• If you have a valid work entry visa, you can travel to Saudi Arabia to complete your residency process. Always check with your airline before departure.
• If you’re waiting for a new work visa, your employer should now be able to apply for you, but processing times may vary.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

Saudi authorities say these changes are necessary to protect public safety, control immigration, and manage the large number of visitors during the Hajj season. They point to the tragic deaths during the 2024 Hajj as a reason for tighter controls.

Employers and labor agencies, especially in sectors that rely on workers from the affected countries, are worried about delays, higher costs, and uncertainty. Some businesses have had to adjust hiring plans or wait longer to fill important jobs.

Travelers and pilgrims face uncertainty and extra planning. Some people with pre-existing travel plans have had to cancel or change their trips. Others worry about sudden rule changes or inconsistent enforcement at airports.

What’s Next? Future Outlook and Pending Developments

Saudi Arabia’s visa policy for these 14 countries is still under review. While the temporary suspensions have ended, the restriction to single-entry visit visas remains in place. Saudi authorities have not said when, or if, multiple-entry visit visas will return.

Further updates are expected after the 2025 Hajj season, as Saudi Arabia reviews how well these measures worked and considers changes for future travel and pilgrimage periods.

Saudi Arabia is also working to modernize its visa process, with more digital and online options for eligible nationalities outside the restricted group. This may make it easier for some travelers to apply for visas in the future.

Summary Table: Current Saudi Visa Status for 14 Countries (as of July 2, 2025)

What Should You Do Now? Practical Steps

If you’re planning to travel to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, or any of the other affected countries, here’s what you should do:

1. Check the latest rules on the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
2. Apply for your visa early, at least one month before your trip.
3. Make sure you apply for the correct visa type (single-entry only for visit visas).
4. If you’re an employer, confirm all requirements and document validity before recruiting new workers.
5. If you already have a valid visa, check with your airline and the Saudi embassy to confirm you can travel.
6. If you stayed past the exit deadline during the suspension, be aware of possible fines and entry bans.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs: For visa rules and application forms, visit the official website.
• Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: For Hajj and Umrah visa questions.
• Your local Saudi embassy or consulate: For country-specific advice and updates.
• Authorized visa agents: For help with applications and paperwork.

Key Takeaways

• Nationals from 14 countries, including Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, and India, can now apply for Saudi Arabia visit visas, but only single-entry visas are available.
• Multiple-entry visit visas remain suspended.
• Block work visa quotas have resumed, but employers should check for new requirements.
• Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas are not affected by these changes.
• Travelers and employers should apply early, check with airlines, and stay updated on the latest rules.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect Saudi Arabia’s efforts to balance public safety, immigration control, and the needs of travelers and employers. The situation may continue to change, so always check official sources before making travel or hiring plans.

For the most current information, visit the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 visa policy changes have created new challenges for nationals from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, and other affected countries. While the most severe restrictions have ended, single-entry visit visas are now the only option, and multiple-entry visas remain suspended. Employers can once again hire workers from these countries, but should expect more paperwork and possible delays.

Travelers, families, and businesses should stay alert for further updates, apply early, and use official resources to avoid problems. By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of delays, fines, or travel disruptions as Saudi Arabia continues to adjust its immigration policies.

Learn Today

Single-entry visit visa → A visa permitting one entry into Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days during a visit.
Block work visa quotas → Government-set limits allowing companies to hire foreign workers under bulk visa allocations.
Unauthorized Hajj participation → Attending the Hajj pilgrimage without official permits, violating Saudi regulations.
Visa suspension → Temporary halt on issuing certain visa types to control immigration or security risks.
Residency process → The formal legal steps a worker follows after visa entry to live and work in Saudi Arabia.

This Article in a Nutshell

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 visa changes limit visit visas to single-entry for 14 countries, impacting travelers and employers. Block work visa quotas resumed post-Hajj. Restrictions aim to prevent unauthorized pilgrimages and illegal stays, while visa policies continue evolving with safety and immigration control as priorities.
— By VisaVerge.com