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Saudi Arabia’s Sudden Move: No More Blockwork Visas for Africans, Nigerians Affected!

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In a significant policy move to manage inbound labor during peak pilgrimage seasons, Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of blockwork visas to nationals from Nigeria and six other African countries.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that the suspension also affects Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco, along with a wider group of 14 countries including Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Blockwork visas are quota-based permits that allow Saudi employers to hire a fixed number of foreign workers. With this suspension, no new blockwork visa quotas will be allocated to businesses seeking workers from the affected countries.

Moreover, the processing of previously approved quotas is expected to face delays, with applicants potentially experiencing denials or indefinite postponements in visa issuance.

This suspension will remain effective until June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season. The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to strengthen regulatory control over immigration and employment, alongside intensifying its Saudization policy which mandates increased employment of Saudi nationals across sectors, including tourism.

The freeze on blockwork visas aligns with the Kingdom’s ongoing plan to raise Saudi employment quotas from 2026 to 2028. This strategy aims to lessen reliance on foreign labor and strengthen the domestic workforce, especially in industries traditionally dominated by migrant workers.

Although no specific reasons were provided for the suspension, it fits Saudi Arabia’s broader objective of limiting foreign worker participation during high-demand periods such as the Hajj pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia hosts a large population of African migrant workers, primarily in domestic and low-wage jobs. A 2022 Gulf Research Centre report noted over 10,000 Nigerians employed in the Kingdom, with Egypt having the highest number at 837,134, followed by Sudan (354,988), Morocco (18,023), Ethiopia (16,719), Tunisia (12,311), and Algeria (2,001).

Despite their significant presence, African migrant workers have faced serious challenges, including exploitation, abuse, and weak legal protections under Saudi Arabia’s controversial Kafala sponsorship system, which grants employers excessive control over workers, often leading to mistreatment.

Nonetheless, many African nationals continue to pursue job opportunities in Saudi Arabia, where low-wage foreign labor remains vital to the economy.

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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