10-year passport for Saudis

RIYADH: The Shoura Council has approved a proposal to extend passport validity to 10 years from the current five-year period for citizens aged above 20 years.
It also approved the amendment on passport fees to be fixed at SR60 for the issuance or renewal on an annual basis and SR50 for the transit ticket, local media reported on Monday.
Speaking after the 15th session of the Shoura in Riyadh on Sunday, Assistant Speaker Yahya bin Abdullah Al-Samaan said the decision was made following a discussion on a report presented by the Committee of Security Affairs.
On another issue, the Shoura called for the linkage between urban planning and infrastructure projects and building of detailed geographical database for infrastructure projects in cities.
The Shoura called on the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to coordinate with the bodies concerned and come up with regulations related to general and traffic safety within cities.
The Shoura also urged the ministry to study the naming of streets after government officials of the rank of ministers, members of the Higher Council of Ulema (scholars), Shoura members, renowned scientists, intellectuals or media persons.