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Saudi Arabia’s Sudden Move: No More Blockwork Visas for Africans, Nigerians Affected!
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.
Former Big Brother Naija star, Natacha Akinde, popularly known as Tacha, has spoken about her current relationship status.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In an interview, the reality TV personality revealed that she is single because she has not found the right partner.
According to her, while she maintains a strong spiritual connection, she has yet to meet someone who would make her reconsider being single.
Reflecting on past relationships, Tacha explained that sometimes things don’t work out, noting that it is better to end a relationship than to remain in a situation that could lead to a troubled marriage.
She stressed that leaving a toxic relationship early is wiser than dealing with marital issues later.
Speaking on her journey after BBNaija, Tacha credited her success to faith, consistency, and her upbringing, adding that her work ethic has helped her build a strong personal brand beyond the show.
Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and media entrepreneur, Dele Momodu, has pushed back against calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, describing the criticism as misplaced.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The proposed move by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to defect from the PDP to the APC has fallen through after both sides failed to reach an agreement on power-sharing.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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