If you’re a skilled professional or student seeking international work opportunities, Saudi Arabia may already be on your radar. However, in this June 2025, significant changes have been made to the country’s work visa processes that applicants especially from countries like Nigeria, India, Pakistan and others—must take seriously. This post breaks down everything you need to know, including suspensions, new opportunities, and how students and young professionals can still make their way to the Kingdom.
✋ Block Work Visa Suspension: What It Means
Saudi Arabia has temporarily paused issuing block work visa quotas to nationals of 14 countries, including:
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Nigeria
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India
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Pakistan
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Bangladesh
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Egypt
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Indonesia
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Sudan
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Yemen
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Afghanistan
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Ethiopia
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Somalia
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Chad
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and others.
This move is primarily due to the Hajj pilgrimage season, which usually brings in millions of visitors. The suspension is expected to last until the end of June 2025.
What This Means for You:
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If your employer applied for a visa quota and it hasn’t been processed, expect delays.
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If your work visa has already been issued but you haven’t entered the country, check with the airline before booking your ticket.
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Travel may be denied at the port of entry even if you have a valid visa.
⛔ Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) Also Suspended
Another big shift is the suspension of Temporary Work Visas (TWVs) for all nationalities via the Qiwa portal. This began on April 28, 2025, and no official end date has been announced.
TWVs were commonly used for short-term projects like:
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Consulting
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Maintenance
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Technical support
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Contractual academic or training work
❗ Implications for Graduates & Entry-Level Applicants
If you were hoping to gain experience through a short-term contract in Saudi Arabia after graduation, this visa suspension closes that path for now. However, don’t lose hope—there are alternatives you can still pursue.
✅ Standard Employment Visa: Still Available (With Delays)
The traditional sponsored work visa process is still available once the block suspension ends. Here’s how it works:
Step-by-Step Visa Process
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Secure a Job Offer from a Saudi-based employer.
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Document Attestation – Ensure all your certificates and credentials are verified by both your country’s Ministry of Education and the Saudi Embassy.
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Medical Tests and Police Report – You’ll need to pass health checks and submit a clean police clearance.
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Employer Applies for Visa through Qiwa or Absher platforms.
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Visa Issuance and Entry – Once approved, you’ll enter Saudi Arabia and apply for your Iqama (residency permit).
⏳ Typical Processing Time:
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4–8 weeks, depending on documentation and the employer’s status.
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Real-life cases from applicants show timelines between a few days to two months.
New Pathway: Work Visa Without Sponsor (Premium Residency)
One of the most exciting developments in 2025 is Saudi Arabia’s new work visa option that doesn’t require a local sponsor, launched on June 1, 2025, under the Premium Residency program (sometimes called the Saudi Green Card).
Who Can Apply?
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Age 21–55
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University degree or high-level professional skill
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Clean criminal record
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Medical fitness
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Ability to support yourself financially
This is a major breakthrough for freelancers, independent professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to work in Saudi Arabia without being tied to a specific company.
️ Apply via the Etimad platform with full documentation.
Why This Matters for Students and Graduates
Whether you’re still in school or a recent graduate, these changes can affect your career planning. Here’s what to consider:
For Final-Year Students:
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Begin preparing your documents (certificates, medicals, police clearance) now.
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Follow Saudi visa news regularly—changes are frequent and affect eligibility.
For Graduates:
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Explore the Premium Residency pathway if you’re highly skilled and meet age/education criteria.
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Consider gaining remote work experience or freelance credentials that could strengthen your application in the future.
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Be open to applying again in July 2025, once the Hajj-season suspensions are lifted.
Final Thoughts: Prepare, Don’t Panic
Saudi Arabia remains one of the top destinations for international workers, especially in oil & gas, construction, healthcare, engineering, and education. While the current visa restrictions may feel like a setback, they are temporary and strategic.
Key Tips
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✅ Stay updated with Qiwa, MOFA, and MHRSD announcements
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✅ Prepare your documents ahead of time
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✅ Explore Premium Residency if eligible
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✅ Consider alternative countries or online work experience while waiting
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