Work Visa Ban in Saudi Arabia Lifted for 14 Nations

Saudi Arabia has lifted a work visa ban on citizens from 14 countries. The decision, confirmed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, reopens job access to foreign workers from places including India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

The temporary visa freeze was originally enacted as a crowd-control measure ahead of the Hajj season, when workers on visas were reportedly attempting to perform Hajj without official registration.

Saudi authorities have taken similar steps before the pilgrimage season in previous years.

The countries impacted by the change include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, and Algeria.