Gulf media reports quoted officials from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism as saying that the draft law for the new project has been prepared and will be officially announced in a few days.
Riyadh Saudi Arabia, First Published Jun 18, 2022, 9:37 AM IST
Riyadh: Residents of GCC countries may be allowed to visit Saudi Arabia without a visa, according to a report. According to Gulf media reports, visa-free travel will be allowed for business, tourism and Umrah purposes. Holders of valid resident permits and work visas from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia without a visa.
Gulf media reports quoted officials from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism as saying that the draft law for the new project has been prepared and will be officially announced in a few days. Expatriates from Gulf countries may now be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah without a visa. But Hajj is not allowed.
Read also: Saudi Arabia plans to issue special visas to expatriates from Gulf countries
At the same time, there are reports that those in certain visa categories will be exempted from this. Domestic workers and construction workers may not be allowed to travel without a visa. Indications are that the permit will be issued to professionals, high-achievers and those engaged in other occupations with a steady income.
A few days ago, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khatib announced in a televised address that he would soon introduce a special visa system for residents of GCC countries. He said in an interview that all tourism visas announced by Saudi Arabia in 2019 were still in place and did not impose any special restrictions on those arriving in the country for tourism.
Last Updated Jun 18, 2022, 9:37 AM IST
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