Archive · 1 Aug 2025
Saudi Arabia Updates on Work Visas and Expired Visit Visas
Saudi Arabia is making changes to its visa policies.
They've started allowing some people to get temporary work visas again, after pausing them earlier.
However, people from Ethiopia still can't get these visas right now.
Also, Saudi Arabia had temporarily stopped some types of visit visas to help with the Hajj pilgrimage, but this was a temporary measure.
Now, people whose visit visas have expired are getting a 30-day extension to leave the country, starting at the end of July.
To use this extension, they need to pay any fines they owe.
Saudi Arabia lifted the pause on Temporary Work Visas (TWV) for multiple countries, but it remains for Ethiopian nationals.
The pause on TWVs was previously in effect for all nationalities, including pending applications.
Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended Umrah, business, and family visit visas to 14 countries including India in April 2025.
This suspension aimed to prevent congestion during the Hajj season.
Saudi Arabia extended the grace period for holders of expired visit visas for 30 days starting July 26, 2025.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia and individuals affected by visa policies, including workers and visitors from various countries.
- What
- Saudi Arabia is updating its visa policies, including lifting restrictions on temporary work visas and extending grace periods for expired visit visas.
- When
- The TWV pause was lifted as of July 16, 2025. The grace period for expired visit visas starts July 26, 2025.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia
- Why
- To facilitate travel and work, and to manage congestion during the Hajj season.
Affected Parties
Saudi Arabian Government
Impact of Visa Restrictions
Affected Parties
Companies that rely on foreign workers may have faced delays and difficulties due to TWV pauses.
Saudi Arabian Government
Saudi Arabia's aim was to prevent congestion during the Hajj season.
- TWV Lifted For:
- Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen
- TWV Still Paused For:
- Ethiopia
- Visa Types Suspended (Temporary):
- Umrah, business, and family visit visas
- Countries Affected by Suspension:
- India and 13 others
- Expired Visa Grace Period Start:
- July 26, 2025
- Grace Period Duration:
- 30 days