The UAE is reportedly considering the implementation of a new visa system aimed at simplifying travel for residents within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes neighboring nations such as Saudi Arabia.
Bloomberg reported that the UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri disclosed this development during a conference in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
According to Al Marri, this prospective visa system would grant residents of the GCC member countries the ability to move freely among the nations within the bloc, notably including Saudi Arabia.
He highlighted that the introduction of this system could be imminent, and said: “the regime could be introduced “very soon.”
The GCC consists of six member states: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Currently, citizens of these nations enjoy the privilege of travelling across borders without the need for visa applications.
However, foreign residents, who constitute a significant portion of the population and hail from diverse parts of the world, still face visa requirements when crossing GCC boundaries.
The proposal for visa-free travel among residents of these countries holds the potential to significantly bolster tourism within the region.
Al Marri highlighted the attractiveness of this prospect, as it would facilitate smoother travel for the many expats and foreign workers residing in these Gulf nations, the report said.
Source : ArabianBusiness
