Saudi Arabia Reopens Temporary Work Visas — But 13 Nationalities Still Face Restrictions

Saudi Arabia Resumes Temporary Work Visas — But With Limits

In a move that signals cautious reopening, Saudi Arabia has resumed the issuance of Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) for most nationalities after a quiet freeze. However, the suspension still holds for 13 key labour-supplying countries, including India, Egypt, and Pakistan, creating ongoing challenges for companies depending on these nationalities.

Which Countries Are Still Restricted?

As of July 2025, TWVs remain unavailable for nationals from the following 13 countries:

• India

• Pakistan

• Egypt

• Bangladesh

• Indonesia

• Nigeria

• Ethiopia

• Iraq

• Jordan

• Morocco

• Sudan

• Tunisia

• Yemen

For citizens of these nations, the Temporary Work Visa route continues to be suspended until further notice.

Why the Freeze Was Imposed

Back in April 2025, Saudi authorities silently pulled the TWV option from the Qiwa platform, the Kingdom’s centralized portal for employer-led work visa requests. While there was no formal public announcement, local reports confirmed a halt in processing, even for applications already underway.

This sudden disruption left companies—especially those relying on flexible, short-term foreign labour—scrambling to readjust recruitment timelines.

Visas Resume Post-Hajj 2025 Peak Season

The recent resumption follows the conclusion of Hajj 2025, during which the Kingdom temporarily paused several visa categories. These included:

• Tourist e-Visas

• Visa-on-Arrival permissions

• Umrah Permits

• Family and Business Visit Visas
  
  

Now, as operations normalise, Saudi Arabia has reopened access for tourists, business travellers, and short-term workers, except from the restricted countries.

Current Visa Status Overview

Here’s a breakdown of visa categories that are now available post-Hajj:

•Umrah Visas – Open from June 10 for global pilgrims
• Business Visit Visas – Issuance resumed for qualifying applicants
• Family Visit Visas – Applications now being accepted
• Tourist e-Visas – Partially operational; platform live
• Visa-on-Arrival – Available for those with valid US, UK, or Schengen visas/residencies
• Block Work Visas – Quota-based foreign worker hiring resumed
•TWVs – Resumed only for eligible nationalities

What Are Temporary Work Visas (TWVs)?

Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) are short-term work permits, typically valid for up to 90 days, with possible extensions. They're ideal for industries needing rapid, project-based hiring, such as:

• Construction and infrastructure projects

• Oil and gas field deployments

• IT and tech rollouts

• Event management or hospitality setups

TWVs allow businesses to skip the lengthy full-work permit process and onboard talent quickly for time-bound assignments.

Key Considerations for Employers

• If you're a Saudi-based employer or recruitment partner: TWV applications are active again—but cross-check applicant nationality first.

•Citizens from the 13 restricted countries remain ineligible until further government updates.

• No clarification has been issued for existing TWV holders from restricted nations—seek legal guidance before taking action

• If your talent pipeline depends on affected nationalities, explore alternative visa categories or longer-term sponsorships.

What This Means for B2B Travel Agents and Corporate Planners

For B2B travel agents, corporate mobility planners, and visa consultants, this development creates a mixed bag of opportunities and obstacles:

• You can now resume bookings and processing for TWV-eligible nationalities

• Support your clients in understanding which visa categories are fully functional again

• For companies working with restricted nationalities, suggest workarounds like Business or Block Visas, if applicable

• Keep stakeholders informed about ongoing restrictions and timelines to avoid delays or refusals
  
  

Final Takeaway

The partial reinstatement of Saudi Arabia’s Temporary Work Visa program is a step forward, but one still wrapped in ambiguity for a significant group of labor markets. Until further notice, employers and agents must tread carefully, balancing urgent talent needs with ever-shifting policy updates.

Keep an eye on Qiwa and official announcements for future changes—and always have contingency plans if your hiring strategy includes talent from restricted regions.

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