Introduction
Saudi Arabia has decided to extend the waiver of fees for expatriates working in the industrial sector until December 31, 2025. This decision was made during a weekly session of the Council of Ministers, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday.
Background of the Decision
This Cabinet decision follows the expiry of a five-year fee waiver for expatriate workers in the industrial sector, which was initially implemented on October 1, 2019. The waiver was part of a broader strategy to stimulate industrial investments and support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by encouraging the hiring of Saudi nationals.
Cabinet Session Highlights
At the beginning of the session, the Cabinet was briefed on messages received by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and on the Crown Prince's meeting with the Speaker of the Arab Parliament. During the meeting, the Crown Prince was awarded the Leader’s Medal for his role in supporting Arab causes and enhancing joint Arab action.
International and Domestic Developments
The Cabinet discussed regional and international developments, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's support for efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasizing the need to end the Israeli occupation to secure peace and restore Palestinian rights.
Domestic Initiatives
Domestically, the Cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global sustainability and environmental conservation initiatives, including expanding royal reserves and focusing on wildlife protection, afforestation, and ecotourism.
Additional Cabinet Decisions
The Cabinet approved several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs), including:
- An agreement with Uzbekistan on mutual visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports.
- MoUs between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and between the Saudi Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Justice in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
- MoUs on road safety, maintenance, and future transportation between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and on tourism cooperation between the Saudi Tourism Authority and Switzerland Tourism.
- Authorization for the Minister of Education to sign a draft MoU with the Statistical, Economic, and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) on technical and vocational training.
- A memorandum of cooperation in combating original crimes, terrorism, and money laundering between the Saudi Public Prosecution and the Yemeni counterpart.
Related Links
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