Saudi Arabia cuts visa fees for Pakistani citizens: diplomatic officials

RIYADH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reduced visa fee for Pakistani nationals, diplomatic officials said on Thursday.

The visit visa fee for Pakistanis has been reduced to 338 riyals from 2000 riyals, according to diplomatic officials. Similarly single entry visa fee has been reduced to 338 riyals and multiple visa fee to 675 riyals.

Officials said new visa fees will be effective from February 15.

They said Pakistan had already cut visa fees for Saudi nationals, which took effect from December 12, 2018.

The single entry visa fee for Saudi nationals was reduced to 270 riyals, whereas multiple visa fee was cut to 540 riyals, according to officials.

The business single entry visa fee for Saudi citizens was reduced to 405 riyals and multiple business visa fee to 810 riyals.

Officials said the measures were taken to promote trade and investment between the two countries.

The reduction in visa fees for Pakistani nationals coincides with the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to Pakistan. Prince Mohammad will arrive in Pakistan on February 16 for a two-day visit, according to the Saudi ambassador, and is expected to stay at the PM House.

During his stay, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be signing a number of agreements and MoUs related to diverse sectors, including investment, finance, power, renewable energy, internal security, media, culture and sports.

The two countries will also discuss ways and means to develop a robust follow-up mechanism to ensure effective implementation and quick progress on tangible areas of cooperation.