Covid-19: Saudi announces incentives for Haj and Umrah sector

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced a number of initiatives to support the private sector establishments and individuals working in the Haj and Umrah sectors to reduce the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

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The initiatives come as an extension of the Kingdom's efforts to address the impact on the economic activities most affected by Covid-19.

According to Saudi Arabia’s official news agency SPA, accommodation facilities in the cities of Makkah Al Mukarramah and Madinah are exempted from the annual fees for licences for municipal commercial activities for a period of one year.

The establishments working in the Haj and Umrah sectors are exempted from the fee for working expatriates for a period of six months.

The Ministry of Tourism will not charge accommodation facilities in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah of renewal fees for a period of one year, which can be extended.

Collection of residency renewal fees for expatriates working in activities related to the Haj and Umrah sector is also postponed for a period of six months, provided that the amounts are paid in instalments over a year.

In addition, the validity of licenses for buses operating in facilities that transport pilgrims can be extended without charge for a period of one year. The SPA also reported that collection of customs duties for new buses for the Haj season 1442 AH is also postponed for a period of three months and paying them in instalments over a period of four months starting from the due date.