Manama: Bahrain has announced a massive reduction of fees levied on pre-entry visas, starting January 2020, in a bid to streamline foreign visitors’ entry to the country.

Under the new measure, a fee of BD40 will be imposed on entry-visas which are valid for one year, instead of the current BD85.

The authorities have also slashed fees levied on five-year valid entry visas by almost two thirds, to stand at BD60, down from BD170.

Foreign students will be entitled to five-year valid visas, instead of one year ones. Validity of the diplomatic visas has also been extended from three to five years.

The reduced visa levies were approved by the Cabinet weekly session, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

The Executive Committee, chaired by the Crown Prince, recommended a draft law on amending the fees imposed on the services provided by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA).

Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa had submitted the draft edict to be rubber-stamped, said Cabinet secretary general Dr Yasser Al Nasser.

The NPRA electronic portal will also be upgraded to include two new services – applications for five-year visit visas and online payment of fees for visas processed through embassies.

Taxes imposed on 200 services provided by 11 government departments have been scrapped.

The new fee waiver brings to overall number of taxes which have so far been cancelled over this year to 400.

The fee cancellation followed directives issued by His Majesty King Hamad, who gave instructions to review the fee-levying mechanism and take into account citizens needs. The Executive Committee has also recommended the service fee waiver.

Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa was assigned to co-ordinate with relevant government departments to implement fee waiver.

The Cabinet extended its congratulations to His Majesty, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and the people of Bahrain on New Year.

The Cabinet wished 2020 will bring even further development for Bahrain and its people as well as world peace and prosperity.

© Copyright 2019 www.gdnonline.com

Copyright 2019 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Disclaimer: The content of this article is syndicated or provided to this website from an external third party provider. We are not responsible for, and do not control, such external websites, entities, applications or media publishers. The body of the text is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this article. Read our full disclaimer policy here.