Saudi Arabia Temporarily Suspends Issuance of Temporary Work Visas

Key Takeaways

• Temporary Work Visas suspended for all nationalities since April 28, 2025, with no end date announced.
• Block work visas and short-term visas resumed July 1, 2025, for 14 countries after Hajj season.
• Saudization quotas expanding, requiring 30–100% Saudi nationals in tourism sector by 2028.

Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has made a major change to its immigration policy by keeping a suspension on the issuance of Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) for all nationalities. This update, which started in late April 2025, continues as of July 16, 2025, and affects many people and businesses who rely on temporary foreign workers. The suspension is part of a larger plan that also includes stricter Saudization rules and temporary changes to other visa categories during the busy Hajj season.

Below, you’ll find a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what this means for people and companies with pending applications or future plans to work in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.

Summary of What Changed

• Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) are still suspended for all nationalities as of July 16, 2025.
• The suspension began on April 28, 2025, and there is no official date for when it will end.
• The TWV quota option has been removed from the Qiwa platform, which is the main government portal for labor and visa management.
• The suspension affects both new applications and those already in progress.
• Other visa types, like block work visas and short-term visas, were also suspended for 14 countries during the Hajj season but have since resumed as of July 1, 2025.
• Saudization requirements—rules that require certain jobs to be filled by Saudi nationals—are being expanded, especially in the tourism sector.

Who Is Affected by the Suspension

The ongoing suspension of Temporary Work Visas in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 affects several groups:

• Foreign workers who were planning to travel to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 for temporary jobs.
• Employers in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 who depend on temporary foreign labor for projects or seasonal work.
• Recruitment agencies in countries that send workers to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, especially those in construction, hospitality, and domestic services.
• Applicants with pending TWV applications, who now face uncertainty about their status.
• Companies that had already started the TWV process or were planning to hire temporary foreign staff.

Effective Dates and Current Status

• April 28, 2025: Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 stopped issuing Temporary Work Visas for all nationalities.
• July 1, 2025: Suspension of block work visas and short-term visas for 14 countries was lifted, but the TWV suspension remains in place.
• July 16, 2025: No change to the TWV suspension; it is still active with no announced end date.

Required Actions for Employers and Workers

If you are an employer or a foreign worker affected by the suspension, here are the steps you should take:

For Employers:

• Review your workforce plans: If you were counting on temporary foreign workers, you’ll need to look for other options, such as hiring local staff or adjusting project timelines.
• Check the Qiwa platform regularly: This is the official government portal for labor and visa management. It will have the latest updates on visa status and policy changes. You can access it here.
• Consult with immigration professionals: Immigration consultants and legal advisors can help you understand your options and prepare for future changes.
• Prepare documentation: Even though TWVs are suspended, experts recommend keeping your paperwork up to date, such as police clearance certificates, in case the policy changes suddenly.

For Foreign Workers:

• Delay travel plans: If you were planning to work in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 on a Temporary Work Visa, you’ll need to wait until the suspension is lifted.
• Check your application status: If you have a pending TWV application, it is currently on hold. No new or pending applications are being processed.
• Look for other visa options: If you have a valid block work visa or a short-term visa (issued after July 1, 2025), you may still be able to travel and work in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.
• Stay in touch with your employer or recruitment agency: They can provide updates and help you understand your next steps.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have already applied for a Temporary Work Visa and your application is pending, here’s what you need to know:

• All pending TWV applications are on hold. The government is not processing any new or existing TWV applications.
• No official guidance on refunds or next steps for those with pending applications has been released.
• Supporting documents may expire: If you have submitted documents like police clearance certificates, check their validity. You may need to update them if the suspension is lifted and processing resumes.
• Employers and applicants should monitor the Qiwa platform and consult with immigration professionals for the latest information.

Background: Why the Suspension Happened

The suspension of Temporary Work Visas is part of a larger set of changes in Saudi Arabia’s 🇸🇦 immigration and labor policies. Here’s some background:

• Saudization Expansion: The government is increasing the number of jobs that must be filled by Saudi nationals, especially in the tourism sector. Between 2026 and 2028, some jobs will require 30% to 100% Saudi staff, depending on the position.
• Hajj Season Controls: During the Hajj season (May–June 2025), Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 temporarily suspended block work visas and short-term visas for 14 countries to manage security and prevent unauthorized Hajj participation. These suspensions were lifted on July 1, 2025, but the TWV suspension remains.
• Labor Market Reforms: The government is making broader changes to its labor market, aiming to create more jobs for Saudi nationals and control the flow of foreign workers.

Details on Other Visa Categories

While Temporary Work Visas remain suspended, there have been changes to other visa types:

• Block Work Visas: These are pre-approvals that allow companies to hire groups of foreign workers. The suspension for 14 countries during the Hajj season has been lifted, and block work visas are now active again.
• Short-Term Visas: Business, family, and tourist visas for the same 14 countries were also suspended during the Hajj season but have resumed as of July 1, 2025.
• TWVs Remain Suspended: Despite the resumption of other visa types, Temporary Work Visas are still not being issued.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

The suspension of Temporary Work Visas has caused concern among many groups:

• Immigration Consultants: Experts recommend that employers and applicants keep their documents ready and watch for updates. They also suggest checking the validity of important paperwork, such as police clearance certificates, so that applications can move forward quickly if the suspension is lifted.
• Recruitment Agencies: Agencies in countries that send workers to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 are worried about the economic impact. Sectors like construction, hospitality, and domestic services rely heavily on temporary foreign workers, and the suspension has disrupted their operations.
• Employers: Many companies are facing delays and uncertainty. They must now look for other ways to fill jobs or adjust their business plans.

Future Outlook and What to Expect

• No Announced Timeline: The Saudi government has not given any indication of when Temporary Work Visas will be available again. There is no projected date or criteria for lifting the suspension.
• Continued Saudization: The move to increase the number of Saudi nationals in the workforce is expected to continue. More sectors and job categories will be affected by nationalization quotas in the coming years.
• Need for Ongoing Monitoring: Employers and foreign nationals should keep checking the Qiwa platform and stay in touch with immigration professionals for the latest updates.

Summary Table: Current Visa Status (as of July 16, 2025)

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• Qiwa Platform: This is the main government portal for labor and visa management in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦. It provides real-time updates on visa availability and policy changes. You can access the Qiwa platform here.
• Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD): This is the main authority overseeing labor and immigration policy in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.
• Professional Immigration Firms: For advice tailored to your situation, you can contact firms such as Fragomen or Newland Chase.

What Should Employers and Workers Do Now?

Given the ongoing suspension, here are some practical steps for employers and foreign workers:

Employers:

• Plan for delays: If you need temporary foreign workers, expect delays and look for other staffing solutions.
• Stay informed: Regularly check the Qiwa platform and official government announcements.
• Keep documents ready: Make sure all supporting documents for future visa applications are up to date.
• Consult experts: Immigration consultants can help you understand your options and prepare for changes.

Foreign Workers:

• Wait for updates: Do not make travel plans until the TWV suspension is lifted.
• Check other visa options: If you qualify for a block work visa or short-term visa, and it was issued after July 1, 2025, you may still be able to work in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.
• Keep in touch: Stay in contact with your employer or recruitment agency for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for a Temporary Work Visa for Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 right now?
No. As of July 16, 2025, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is not accepting new applications for Temporary Work Visas. All new and pending applications are on hold.

2. What happens to my pending TWV application?
Your application is currently on hold. The government has not provided any guidance on refunds or next steps.

3. Are other types of work visas available?
Block work visas and short-term visas are available again for most countries, as the suspension for these categories was lifted on July 1, 2025.

4. How can I stay updated on changes?
Check the Qiwa platform regularly and stay in touch with your employer or immigration advisor.

5. Why is Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 making these changes?
The government is focusing on increasing jobs for Saudi nationals (Saudization) and managing labor flows, especially during busy times like the Hajj season.

6. What should I do if my supporting documents expire while waiting?
Keep your documents up to date. If the suspension is lifted, you may need to provide new versions of documents like police clearance certificates.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Temporary Work Visas for Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 remain suspended for all nationalities as of July 16, 2025.
• No new or pending TWV applications are being processed.
• Employers and foreign workers should look for other options and keep documents ready for future changes.
• Block work visas and short-term visas are now available again for most countries.
• Saudization requirements are expanding, especially in the tourism sector.
• Stay informed by checking the Qiwa platform and consulting with immigration professionals.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing suspension of Temporary Work Visas in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is causing uncertainty for employers and workers alike. The best approach is to stay prepared, keep documents current, and watch for official updates from the Qiwa platform and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

For the most up-to-date information on visa policies and labor regulations in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, visit the Qiwa platform, which is the official source for labor and immigration news. If you have specific questions or need help with your case, contact a trusted immigration advisor or legal professional.

By staying informed and prepared, employers and foreign workers can respond quickly when policies change and new opportunities become available.

Learn Today

Temporary Work Visa (TWV) → A visa allowing foreign nationals to work temporarily in Saudi Arabia, currently suspended.
Qiwa Platform → Official Saudi government portal for labor and visa management, providing updates and application services.
Saudization → Policy requiring employment of Saudi nationals in specific sectors to increase local workforce participation.
Block Work Visa → Visa allowing companies to hire groups of foreign workers at once, resumed after Hajj season.
Hajj Season → Annual Islamic pilgrimage period during which temporary visa restrictions applied for security and administrative control.

This Article in a Nutshell

Saudi Arabia suspended all Temporary Work Visas since April 28, 2025, disrupting foreign labor. Block and short-term visas resumed July 1, but TWVs remain suspended. Employers and workers should monitor Qiwa platform and prepare documents, anticipating ongoing Saudization and visa policy changes through 2028.
— By VisaVerge.com