It looks like Saudi Arabia is on a roll! The Kingdom grabbed headlines on World Tourism Day, when it opened doors to tourists and even eased dress regulations for women. And now, there’s more good news from the neighbour. Saudi has issued its first batch of ‘premium’ residence visas. Investors, doctors, engineers and financiers who wish to settle down in Saudi Arabia have now been granted a residence visa. The initiative is an effort to diversify the economy.
What’s It?
Investors, doctors, engineers and financiers who wish to continue to work and live in Saudi Arabia can do so happily, as the kingdom as now granted them permanent residency. Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Centre received over a thousand applications from within and outside the country in the last couple of months.
The centre’s chief executive, Bandar Al Ayed said: “The kingdom welcomes everyone. Applying for a premium residency is available to anyone who meets the relevant conditions, whether they are residing in the kingdom or those wishing to come and settle here.”
The premium visa offers long-term visas for foreign nationals, along with other added benefits which were not available earlier to non-Saudis. In order to be eligible for a permanent residency, applicants must be over 21 years of age, must hold no criminal record and must have no health issues.
Applicants can choose between a permanent premium residency by paying a one-time fee of 800,000 Saudi riyals (AED 83,500). In addition, they can also opt for a renewable premium residency, priced at 100,000 riyals annually.
Both visas will permit individuals to own private vehicles, obtain business licences, as well as own properties in Makkah and Madinah.
Besides, those with a permanent residency will also be eligible to issue entry and exit visas as well as obtain visit visas for their families. The Saudi Cabinet approved the residency programme last June.
What Else?
Meanwhile, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia might soon permit women to perform Hajj without a male guardian. Until now, all women who wish to perform Umrah or Hajj must be accompanied by a male guardian. Women over the age of 45 can to travel without a guardian as part of travel organisations or groups. However, women traveling as part of an organization are required to submit a no objection certificate.
The ministry of Hajj and Umrah is now conducting studies to issue visit visas that will permit women to travel without a male guardian, for both travel and religious purposes. Read the full article here.