Saudi Arabia lowers visit visa fees for Pakistanis

Published February 16, 2019
A single-entry visit visa which previously cost SAR2,000 is now priced at SAR338. — File
A single-entry visit visa which previously cost SAR2,000 is now priced at SAR338. — File

The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad has announced that a significant reduction in visa fees for Pakistanis has been approved by the kingdom.

According to a press release issued by the embassy, the fee for single-entry visit visa has been lowered from SAR2,000 to SAR338, which, in dollar terms, equals a reduction from $533 to $90.

Meanwhile, the fee for multiple-entry visit visa has been slashed from SAR3,000 to SAR675, which in dollar terms, amounts to a reduction from $800 to $180.

The embassy further adds that the new fee structure has come into effect from Feb 15.

In Oct 2016, Saudi Arabia had enforced a seven-fold hike in visa fees to do business in the kingdom. The higher visa fees was one of many moves adopted by the kingdom to cover a loss in oil revenue.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...