Dhaka, June 8, 2025 — The Voice News
In a move that has caught many off guard, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of work and Umrah visas for citizens of Bangladesh, along with nationals from 13 other countries, according to reports from Riyadh.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited regulatory and technical changes in its visa processing system as the reason for the suspension. However, no clear timeline has been provided as to when the restrictions will be lifted.
The announcement comes at a sensitive time, as thousands of Bangladeshis were preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia for the upcoming Hajj and for seasonal employment in key sectors like construction, hospitality, and domestic work.
According to sources within the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, the Saudi government has assured that the suspension is temporary and part of a broader digital overhaul of visa processing systems.
Bangladesh is one of the largest sources of migrant workers for Saudi Arabia. Nearly 2.5 million Bangladeshi nationals live and work in the Kingdom, sending billions of dollars in remittances back home annually.
The Bangladesh Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has urged potential travelers and recruiting agencies to remain calm and wait for an official update. An official delegation from Dhaka is expected to engage with Saudi counterparts in the coming days to seek clarity and expedite the resumption of visa services.
Meanwhile, affected families and visa applicants have expressed frustration over the sudden disruption, with many fearing financial losses due to non-refundable air tickets and pre-arranged contracts.
Observers note that the suspension coincides with broader geopolitical shifts and ongoing negotiations between Riyadh and Dhaka over migrant labor terms and bilateral cooperation.