Riyadh, February 16, 2026 – Saudi Arabia has stopped giving new short-term work visas today. This change affects workers from Pakistan, India, and 15 other nations.
The Qiwa platform blocked processing these visas. The government wants more Saudi citizens in private jobs. This is part of the new Developed Nitaqat plan. You can still apply for long-term Iqama visas. However, your company must follow very strict rules now.
The 17 Affected Countries
Workers from these countries cannot get temporary work visas now:
- South Asia: Pakistan and India.
- Southeast Asia: Indonesia.
- Middle East: Egypt, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Türkiye and Yemen.
- Africa: Algeria, Ethiopia, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan and Tunisia.
What has changed?
| Feature | Old Rule | New Rule (Feb 2026) |
| Short-term Visa | Easy to get for projects. | Suspended for 17 countries. |
| Job Titles | Any title was okay. | Must match legal CR papers. |
| Staffing | Many foreign workers allowed. | 60% Saudis in sales/marketing. |
Why is this happening?
The Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD) wants better jobs for locals. They are stopping “Temporary Work Visas” to focus on long-term staff. If you work in sales, your company must hire more Saudis by April 19, 2026.
Expert Alert
Check your Qiwa portal today. The “Instant Work Visa” tab now shows new limits. A specific rule says “General Manager” titles must match your Commercial Registration. If they do not match, the system will block your visa renewal.
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