Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary work visa ban on 14 countries, including Bangladesh, until the end of the Hajj season.
The decision is expected to impact thousands of migrant workers and international businesses. The ban will remain in effect until June, coinciding with the end of the Hajj season, according to a report by Arab Times.
The decision, announced by the country’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, is expected to impact thousands of foreign workers as well as international business operations that rely on labor from the affected nations. Besides Bangladesh, the suspension includes nationals from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
This sudden visa halt is already raising concerns among recruitment agencies, overseas job seekers, and companies that depend on Saudi Arabia’s labor market. Many are worried that the temporary suspension might cause delays in hiring processes and financial setbacks for workers who had prepared to migrate.
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While the Saudi government has not detailed the specific reasons behind this decision, insiders suggest it’s a precautionary measure to manage the influx of foreign nationals during the Hajj pilgrimage period. The work visa ban is expected to be lifted shortly after the season concludes.
The move has caused unease, particularly in countries like Bangladesh, where remittances from Saudi Arabia play a vital role in the economy. Many aspiring workers, who had completed necessary documentation and invested significant sums, now face uncertainty.
Authorities and labor ministries in several affected countries are reportedly in touch with Saudi counterparts, hoping for a swift resolution once Hajj concludes. For now, thousands of families and businesses are holding their breath, waiting for the gates of opportunity to reopen.
