Saudis seeking reciprocity on visa, says minister

The kingdom last month introduced higher work visa fees for citizens of some countries

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's commerce minister said Wednesday that the kingdom is seeking reciprocal treatment on visas, after critics said the introduction of higher fees risked deterring investment.

Saudi Arabia last month introduced higher work visa fees for citizens of some countries, to cover a 51 per cent slump in oil revenue last year following a sharp drop in global crude prices.

Speaking to AFP on the sidelines of the MISK Global Forum, Commerce and Investment Minister Majed al-Qasabi said Saudi Arabia was seeking "bilateral agreements with other countries" and that higher fees would not apply "as long as we're treated equally."



Diplomats told AFP last month that some investors were already reconsidering plans in Saudi Arabia following the fee increase, with one calling it "incredibly short-sighted".

The kingdom is creating jobs in order to wean the economy of oil with the 2030 reform plan. It hopes for the young Saudis to take more involvement in economic diversification.