According to a local Saudi Arabian local media, it is expected that by October 2, the Saudi Arabian government will cut off subsidies for some seven services plus the removal of 193 commodities’ price caps.
50 percent of these services which will cut off by Oct. 2:
- Port services
- Passport fees
- Driver’s license
- Car transfer fees
- Traffic fines
- Renewal of residence permits applicable for domestic helpers.
The said cost cutting measures was implemented due to the prolonged decrease of oil revenues. Last August, new charges were applied by municipal services as well as higher visa fees, prior to the orders of Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economy.
Upon this new regulation, visit visa will now cost SR2,000 or $533 but Umrah pilgrims who were first timers are exempted. On the other hand, the 6-month visa (multiple entry) will cost SR3,000 or $799, the 12 months visa is worth SR5,000 or 1,322 and the 24 months visa will cost SR8,000 or $2,132. SR300 or $80 will also be the cost for the transit visa.
