GIA to expedite visas for foreign businessmen

DAMMAM, 31 May  — The General Investment Authority will facilitate visa formalities for foreign businessmen who wish to attend investment-related activities in the Kingdom, according to GIA officials here.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

The chambers of commerce and industry will continue to be the recommending authority for visas for foreigners connected with export-import business.

GIA, an agency set up recently to promote foreign investment in the Kingdom and to license industrial ventures, has been authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recommend visa applications to the Saudi missions abroad, which in turn will issue the visas on a priority basis.

Foreign businessmen have been advised to send in their applications to the GIA furnishing details of their passport, intended duration of stay, purpose of visit and other relevant information. They should specify the city where the Saudi mission in the country is located and from where the visa is to be issued.

Foreign businessmen have been urging Saudi authorities to ease visa formalities as they felt that the tedious process impeded progress of their ventures in the Kingdom.

Local businessmen welcomed the GIA initiative and believed the rules would be further simplified. They said after the economic liberalization it was imperative on the government to ease visa regulations so that the flow of foreign capital and technology not be hindered.