Saudi Arabia Suspends Temporary Work Visas for Workers From 17 Countries

Saudi Arabia has quietly suspended Temporary Work Visas for nationals of multiple countries, effective immediately. The move is already affecting employers, contractors, and foreign workers involved in short-term projects.

While there has been no formal public announcement, immigration practitioners and employers have confirmed that applications are no longer being accepted or processed.

Saudi Arabia Halts Temporary Work Visas for 17 Countries!

Saudi Arabia just dropped a big change on the work visa front. Right now, they’re pausing all new applications, processing, and issuances for Temporary Work Visas to nationals of the following countries:

1. Algeria
2. Egypt
3. Ethiopia
4. India
5. Indonesia
6. Iran
7. Iraq
8. Jordan
9. Libya
10. Morocco
11. Nigeria
12. Pakistan
13. Somalia
14. Sudan
15. Tunisia
16. Türkiye
17. Yemen

If you hold a passport from any of these countries, new Temporary Work Visa applications are currently on hold.

What Are Temporary Work Visas in Saudi Arabia?

Temporary Work Visas allow foreign workers to enter Saudi Arabia for short-term work assignments. These visas are commonly used for:

• Project-based work
• Technical installations or repairs
• Short-term consulting roles
• Training and supervision assignments

They are different from long-term employment visas. Temporary Work Visas usually last a few weeks or months and do not lead to residency.

Why Did Saudi Arabia Suspend Temporary Work Visas?

Saudi authorities have not given an official explanation. However, immigration experts point to a few likely reasons.

First, Saudi Arabia has been tightening labour and immigration controls as part of its broader workforce reforms. Officials are placing more focus on regulated, long-term employment instead of short-term entries.

Second, there have been concerns in recent years about Temporary Work Visas being misused for longer stays or informal employment.

Third, the suspension may be linked to administrative capacity, compliance checks, or ongoing reviews of labour market needs.

In short, the pause appears to be a control measure rather than a permanent ban.

How This Impacts Foreign Workers

For foreign workers, the impact is immediate and practical.

Those planning short-term assignments in Saudi Arabia may now face delays or cancellations. Even fully prepared applications are unlikely to move forward for now.

Workers who rely on short project-based roles may need to look at alternative visa options or postpone travel plans.

Importantly, this suspension does not affect existing valid visas. It applies only to new Temporary Work Visa applications.

What This Means for Employers

Employers using foreign talent for short-term projects will need to adjust quickly.

Project timelines may shift. Staffing plans may need to change. Some companies may explore long-term work visas or local hiring instead.

Immigration advisors are recommending that employers review available visa routes carefully and avoid last-minute deployments.

Is the Suspension Permanent?

At this point, there is no confirmed end date.

Similar pauses in the past have been temporary and lifted after internal reviews. Still, applicants should not expect quick changes and should plan cautiously.

Until official guidance is issued, Temporary Work Visas for these nationalities remain unavailable in Saudi Arabia.

What Foreign Workers Should Do Now

If you are affected:

• Do not submit new Temporary Work Visa applications for now
• Speak with your employer about alternative visa options
• Stay updated through official channels or licensed immigration advisors

For now, patience and flexibility are key. Saudi Arabia remains open to foreign workers, but the rules around short-term work are clearly tightening.