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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The Saudi Cabinet has approved increases to government visa fees that will significantly raise costs for all visitors and for foreign employees living and working in the kingdom.
What does the change mean? Beginning in October, the government will increase the single-entry visit visa fee to 2,000 Saudi riyals (about US$533) and impose new visa fees for multi-entry and exit re-entry visas based on duration of validity.
Starting in October, the new government visa fee schedule is as follows:
The government has also amended the traffic regulations and increased the fines for driving violations.
Background: The government fees are consistent with Vision 2030, a 15-year economic plan to make the economy less oil-dependent and increase revenues in other areas, including through immigration fees. The new fees represent large hikes, as currently all visit visas are SR 500 (regardless of validity period), and exit re-entry visas are currently SR 200 for single re-entry or SR 500 for all multiple re-entry visas. Transit visas and departure visas are currently free.
BAL Analysis: The government visa fees raise the costs of sending expatriate workers to Saudi Arabia, and businesses should budget for the new costs.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Saudi Arabia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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