Saudi Arabian authorities have implemented significant changes to their visa policy, affecting citizens from 14 countries, according to multiple diplomatic sources. The Kingdom’s move comes as part of its broader effort to regulate foreign workforce and enhance security measures across the nation.
The new restrictions, which took effect earlier this week, primarily impact nations from South Asia, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. While the Saudi government has not officially published the complete list of affected countries, diplomatic communications indicate that the restrictions apply to labor and visit visas for nationals from these regions.
Reports suggest the changes include increased financial guarantees, stricter background verification processes, and extended processing times. Additionally, applicants may now face more rigorous interview procedures and health screenings before visa approval.
A senior official from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that these measures align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and create more employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.
Economic analysts note that these restrictions could significantly impact remittance flows to the affected countries. Saudi Arabia hosts millions of foreign workers who send substantial funds to their home countries annually, contributing significantly to their economies.
The decision has prompted diplomatic dialogue between Saudi Arabia and officials from the affected nations, with some ambassadors seeking clarification regarding the scope and duration of these new policies. Several embassies have issued advisories to their citizens planning travel to Saudi Arabia, recommending they verify current visa requirements before making arrangements.
For Nigerian nationals planning to visit or work in the Kingdom, these developments underscore the importance of consulting with the Saudi Arabian Embassy or authorized visa processing centers for the most current requirements. Prospective travelers should anticipate longer processing times and prepare for additional documentation requests.
While the Saudi government maintains these measures are temporary and subject to review, no timeline has been provided regarding when normal visa processing might resume for citizens of the affected nations.
This are the list of affected region and countries.
Region : Countries Affected
South Asia Bangladesh, India, Pakistan
Middle East Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen
North Africa Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia
Sub-Saharan Africa Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan
Southeast Asia Indonesia
