Saudi Arabia has decided that as of April 1, it will not be possible for foreign trucks to transport goods within the kingdom except after issuing an electronic permit. The matter provoked criticism from truck owners outside the kingdom, but investors in the ground transportation industry in Saudi Arabia responded by saying that the decision of the General Transportation Authority will increase competition and attract foreign investments.
The head of the logistics committee in the Al-Sharqiya district office, Rakan Aletishan, said that the decision restores balance to the market by providing equal job opportunities for everyone. He emphasized that the requirement to prevent irregular foreign trucks from transporting goods between the cities of Saudi Arabia is not new, and is being implemented through the development of regulations and legislation. Aletishan called on foreign truck owners who wish to operate in the Kingdom to do so in accordance with the regulations while employing Saudis.
He explained that at the Saudi border crossings they will begin requiring foreign trucks to pay reports if they are found to be in violation of the regulations before they are allowed to leave the kingdom. Aletishan emphasized that transporting goods without issuing an electronic permit is an explicit violation of the law and therefore requires the imposition of fines.