Saudi Arabia lifts expatriate fees to boost industrial sector

Saudi Arabia has abolished the “expatriate fees” imposed on foreign workers employed in industrial establishments registered under industrial licences.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the crown prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, following a recommendation from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, according to a report by the Saudi Gazette.

The move reflects the leadership’s continued support for the industrial sector, which it sees as vital to strengthening national factories, improving sustainability and enhancing competitiveness in international markets.

The decision also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic reform agenda under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil, with industry identified as one of the key pillars of that transformation.

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef said the abolition of expatriate fees for industrial workers would help accelerate sustainable industrial development in the kingdom.

He thanked King Salman and the prime minister for the decision, expressing hope that it would attract increased investment to Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector.