UK to Exempt Gulf Citizens from Entry Visa as of 2023

The GCC ambassadors and British Home Secretary at the Bahrain Embassy in London. (SPA)
The GCC ambassadors and British Home Secretary at the Bahrain Embassy in London. (SPA)
TT
20

UK to Exempt Gulf Citizens from Entry Visa as of 2023

The GCC ambassadors and British Home Secretary at the Bahrain Embassy in London. (SPA)
The GCC ambassadors and British Home Secretary at the Bahrain Embassy in London. (SPA)

Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) nationals will be exempted from the visa requirements to enter the UK as of 2023 and benefit from the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme.

The ambassadors of the GCC countries in London met with British Home Secretary Priti Patel at the Bahraini Embassy. They lauded the British government's decision to exempt GCC citizens from entry visas and implement the new ETA system starting next year.

During the meeting, officials discussed the friendship between the UK and the GCC member states.

The ambassadors stressed the importance of the security and safety of GCC citizens in the UK, calling on the Home Secretary to raise the level of security response to repeated incidents targeting Gulf citizens in the UK.

Patel underscored the British government's interest in boosting cooperation between the security services, expressing the UK's aspiration to deepen cooperation with the GCC in all fields.

The British minister stressed the security authorities' keenness on the security and safety of all residents and visitors, adding that the concerned authorities are working to increase security and respond to reports of crimes.



Saudi Arabia Re-Elected as Chair of SMIIC Board for Third Consecutive Term

file photo of the Saudi flag - SPA
file photo of the Saudi flag - SPA
TT
20

Saudi Arabia Re-Elected as Chair of SMIIC Board for Third Consecutive Term

file photo of the Saudi flag - SPA
file photo of the Saudi flag - SPA

The member states of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) reaffirmed their confidence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by electing it as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a third consecutive term (2025–2027) during the 29th meeting of the SMIIC Board of Directors, held in Madinah with representatives from 13 member countries.

The Kingdom’s election underscores its leadership in standardization efforts across the Islamic world, its effective role in fostering technical cooperation, and its commitment to strengthening quality infrastructure to support the economic growth of member states, SPA reported.

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) Governor Dr. Saad Al-Kasabi expressed his pride in this show of confidence, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to continuing its support for SMIIC’s efforts and enhancing joint technical work through the development of a legislative framework for standardization activities.