Saudi Arabia has finally reopened the gates for temporary foreign workers after months of tight restrictions sparked by the country’s busiest religious travel season.
Although Saudi Arabia resumed issuing Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) to most countries in mid-July 2025, the ban remained in place for 14 key labour-supplying nations, including India, Egypt, and Pakistan.
Who’s Back In (and Who’s Still Out)
As of late July 2025, Saudi Arabia has lifted its pause on issuing Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) for citizens of;
- Algeria
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
That said, Ethiopian nationals are still not eligible, with no clear explanation or timeline for resumption.
The move comes after the Kingdom abruptly halted all Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) processing in April by removing the option from the Qiwa platform, its central portal for managing work permits.
No official announcement was made at the time, but employers across industries quickly noticed. Applications in progress were stalled, and hiring plans were thrown into disarray.
What Are Temporary Work Visas (TWVs)?
Think of Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) as Saudi Arabia’s way of fast-tracking foreign workers for short-term projects. They’re valid for up to 90 days, with a possible extension. They’re often used in:
- Construction and engineering
- Oil and gas
- IT and tech deployments
- Conferences and major events
For employers, TWVs are a faster, leaner alternative to long-term work permits, especially for filling immediate project needs.