The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made a significant policy move by temporarily suspending block work visa quotas for 14 countries—including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt. This development is expected to impact thousands of aspiring workers and recruitment agencies across Asia and Africa. If you’re planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for employment, especially through the GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centers Association) system, this article explains what you need to know and how to prepare.
What Are Block Work Visa Quotas?
Block work visa quotas are approvals granted to employers in Saudi Arabia allowing them to recruit a specific number of foreign workers from certain countries. These quotas are typically used for mass hiring in industries like construction, hospitality, domestic work, and services.
The recent suspension halts new block quota requests for 14 countries via the Qiwa recruitment platform—Saudi Arabia’s centralized system for processing labor requests.
Countries Affected by the Suspension
Saudi Arabia has paused block work visa quota requests for the following countries:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Nigeria
- Ethiopia
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
- Algeria
- Morocco
This pause is temporary and believed to be tied to logistical preparations for the Hajj season, one of the busiest travel periods in Saudi Arabia.
Duration of the Suspension
Reports indicate that the suspension began in May 2025 and may continue until the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, likely in late June or early July. During this time, the government is focusing on controlling migration flow, crowd management, and national security.
What’s Still Allowed?
It’s important to note:
- The suspension only applies to block work visa quotas.
- Individual work visa applications are still being processed.
- Those with previously approved visas under the block system may experience delays, but visas are not being revoked.
What This Means for GAMCA Medical Test Applicants
At GamcaMedicalAppointments.com, we help thousands of applicants schedule and complete their mandatory medical exams before traveling for work in the Gulf countries. Here’s what you should consider:
1. Planning to Travel on an Individual Visa?
You can book your GAMCA medical test without delay. Since your application doesn’t depend on block quotas, this suspension does not affect your process.
2. Waiting for Block Quota Approval?
We recommend holding off on scheduling your GAMCA test if you are part of a group visa or agency-driven recruitment that relies on block quotas. Medical test reports are valid for only 90 days, so taking the test prematurely could lead to expiration before your visa is issued.
3. Already Got Your Visa?
If your visa has been issued and you’re preparing to travel, double-check with your sponsor or recruitment agency. Some individuals may experience entry delays or additional scrutiny during this suspension period.
How to Stay Updated
Gamca Medical Appointments is closely monitoring the situation. We’ll continue to provide:
- Real-time updates on visa policy changes
- Guidance on when to schedule your medical appointment
- Country-specific advice for affected nationals
Schedule your GAMCA medical appointment today!
Follow us on [social media], or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest alerts.
How Employers & Agencies Are Affected
Recruitment agencies and employers in Saudi Arabia that rely on labor from the affected countries will likely face:
- Delays in onboarding new hires
- Workforce shortages in key sectors
- A backlog of pending visa applications
This move also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-term “Saudization” goals—prioritizing employment for Saudi nationals during peak periods like Hajj.
Final Thoughts
While this visa suspension is temporary, it’s a critical reminder of how geopolitical and religious events can influence international labor policies. If you’re planning to work in Saudi Arabia, being informed and strategic is key.
For those applying individually:
Schedule your GAMCA medical test with confidence.
For those under block quota arrangements:
Wait for an official quota resumption before booking your test.
Have questions? Our team is here to help. Visit https://gamcamedicalappointments.com or call us for personalized assistance.
