CAIRO: Saudi Arabia said it will allow payment for the issuance and renewals of work permit-related residencies to be made on a quarterly basis instead of an annual lump sum basis, SPA reported on Tuesday, citing a cabinet meeting decision.

The decision excepts domestic workers and similar jobs.

The government, under a job creation drive, had imposed fees on expatriate workers to encourage hiring of citizens. Companies have said the fees significantly increase operating costs.

(Reporting by Alaa Swilam and Marwa Rashad Editing by Chris Reese) ((Alaa.Swilam@thomsonreuters.com;))