source: www.arabnews.com
JEDDAH: Fees for various government services — including those relating to the issuing and renewal of passports, driving licenses and Iqamas — will double from Tuesday as the government’s 50 percent reduction scheme comes to an end Monday.
Many people across the Kingdom hoped the government would continue its fee reduction scheme, which they said provided a welcome relief in the face of increasing costs of living and rent.
The Council of Ministers ordered fees to be reduced for a three-year period that began in Muharram 1429 (January 2008) and is to end on the last day of the current Hijri year (Dec. 6). A 10 percent increase in pensions and government subsidies for essential commodities were also announced at the same time.
“Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, who always has the welfare of the Kingdom’s citizens close to his heart, took away a lot of burden from our backs with the 50 percent reduction,” said Saudi citizen Obaidullah Al-Harbi.
“We hope the king will return in excellent health after his successful treatment in the US and continue with the scheme,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has announced that it will continue to increase the living allowance given to government employees.
