2023-05-06 07:08:00
Dubai: Efforts are being made to implement a new visa system in the Gulf countries on the model of European-style Schengen visa. Bahrain Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sai Rafi shared the crucial information regarding this at the Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai.
She said ministerial level discussions to implement the Schengen visa system implemented in the European region in the GCC countries are also in progress and discussions are in progress to adopt a unified visa system. The establishment of this type of visa system is very beneficial for the Gulf countries. People go to European countries not just to spend in one country but to visit many countries. They added that they understand the benefits of this. In addition to this, all GCC countries believe that the tourism sector is important for the growth of the economy, Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said during the panel discussion.
Executives in the tourism sector in the Gulf also testify that the Schengen-style visa system will attract people from Europe, the USA and Asia to the Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia is the most visited country for religious purposes, although most people also visit the neighboring UAE. In this situation, the introduction of a unified visa system will be more beneficial for tourists, tourism experts say.
The unified visa system is fully supported by the major players in the air and travel sector. Spokespersons of Visa Air responded that once this visa system is implemented, people will get the opportunity to travel more and apart from this, tourism will get more prominence in various areas. Muzamil Ahusain, CEO of the renowned Almo Safer Travel Company, said that UAE nationals are allowed on-arrival visas and e-visas in Saudi Arabia, but a unified visa system is more beneficial for travelers.
Ryan Tourism Director Sunil Pawar stated that the unified visa system is very beneficial for the GCC countries. The visa, which used to last for four days in the last few years, is now for seven days. But Sunil Pawar added that if this type of visa system is implemented, tourists will be able to spend up to fifteen days in different countries.
Vaishakh Nedumala
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