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Labor migration and remittance flows under strain amid growing Saudization efforts
Saudi Arabia has suspended the issuance of Block Work Visas for nationals of seven African countries, a decision that could significantly disrupt labor migration and reduce remittance inflows to the continent. The move affects both new and pending Temporary Work Visa (TWV) applications across 14 nations in total.
The African countries directly impacted are Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco. Other nations affected by the visa suspension include Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Block Work Visas are used by Saudi employers to recruit foreign workers through pre-approved labor quotas. The sudden removal of these quotas, first noticed on the Qiwa platform—Saudi Arabia’s labor management portal—has created considerable uncertainty, especially in sectors such as construction and domestic work, which heavily rely on foreign labor.
Though Saudi authorities have not issued an official explanation, the suspension appears to align with the Kingdom’s increased Saudization policies—initiatives designed to boost employment among Saudi nationals. These efforts are particularly focused on sectors like tourism, with employment quotas for Saudi citizens set to rise between 2026 and 2028.
Reports suggest that the visa freeze could remain in place until the end of the Hajj season in June 2025, possibly indicating a broader shift in Gulf labor policies and regional employment dynamics, especially between Saudi Arabia and African nations.
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African Labor Presence in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to a large number of African migrant workers, especially in domestic and low-wage sectors. Ethiopia, for instance, has an active government program aimed at deploying up to 500,000 women to Saudi Arabia for domestic work, as part of efforts to address economic challenges back home.
Kenya, while not listed among the seven African countries affected by the current suspension, has an estimated 150,000 nationals working in domestic roles across the Kingdom. The Kenyan government has promoted labor migration to the Gulf as a solution to its domestic unemployment crisis.
Despite the economic benefits, African migrant workers in Saudi Arabia face widespread challenges. Human rights organizations have repeatedly flagged issues of exploitation, abuse, and lack of legal protection. The Kingdom’s Kafala (sponsorship) system has been criticized for giving employers excessive control over workers, making them vulnerable to mistreatment.
Economic Impact of Visa Suspension
The suspension could have far-reaching consequences for both workers and their home countries. Remittances from African workers in Saudi Arabia are a vital source of income for many families and contribute significantly to national economies. A prolonged freeze on work visas may weaken these financial lifelines and add pressure to already struggling labor markets in Africa.
As Gulf labor dynamics evolve, African countries may need to reassess their labor export strategies, while simultaneously advocating for improved conditions and rights for their citizens working abroad.
