News Dubai

GCC-wide visa for visitors under study
By Saifur Rahman, Business News Editor

Dubai: A Schenghen-type visa scheme for international visitors coming to the Gulf and a facility to waive visas for expatriate residents across the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries could accelerate the process of implementing a common Gulf market.

"This will help the regional integration plan," Dr. Mohammad Al Asoomi, an economist told Gulf News.

A common GCC market was theoretically put in place on January 1. Its implementation, however, will involve sweeping reforms to facilitate the movement of goods, capital and people.

"I am sure reforms to facilitate free movement of people will be implemented this year to help create the common market," Al Asoomi said.

Currently, the 22 million GCC nationals, who comprise about 60 per cent of the region's population, can move across the borders without a visa.

Saudi Arabia, the biggest country, does not even offer tourist or visit visas and therefore stands as the biggest obstacle to facilitating free movement.

Roughly, 14 million of the 36 million Gulf population are expatriates, who contribute significantly to the region's economy.

With a combined GDP of $750 billion, the region hosts two of the Arab world's biggest economies - Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Mohammad Obaid Al Mazrouei, assistant secretary general of the GCC for economic affairs confirm-ed there are consultations on the possibility of a Schenghen-type visa plan.

"As for allowing expatriate residents to move freely between the six GCC countries, it depends upon their profession and not nationality," he said, adding that investment and marketing managers will benefit from this measure.