Health insurance would be mandatory for all foreigners coming to the Kingdom on visit visas, the Cooperative Health Insurance Council announced on Wednesday following a meeting chaired by the health minister.
“Those applying for visas to enter the Kingdom for a visit, an extension or in transit, as well as their dependents should present valid insurance certificates for medical cover inside the Kingdom,” an official said.
The new measure, which has been approved by the Saudi Cabinet, would not be applied to Haj and Umrah pilgrims, holders of diplomatic and special passports, state guests and those coming for medical treatment.
“Visitors from international organizations and diplomatic missions will also be exempted from the law on the basis of reciprocal treatment,” the official said.
He said the insurance certificates are required to meet expenses for the treatment of diseases, emergency cases, first aid and air ambulance services.
The official did not say when the new scheme would be imposed. However, insurance specialists said it would be implemented soon. According to one specialist, the insurance premium could be about SR100 for a month.
“We don’t know whether this system will be implemented through a single insurance company or open to competition for all licensed companies,” said the specialist, who requested anonymity. He said the measure required further clarification from the government.
However, he welcomed the move saying it would help visitors and transit passengers get proper health cover, especially in emergencies such as road accidents. It will cover an estimated 1 million visitors to the Kingdom, especially relatives of expatriate workers.
Another expert estimated the Kingdom’s insurance market at more than SR25 billion, especially after health insurance cover was made mandatory for the issuance of resident permits for expatriates and their family members.
Visitors’ medical insurance a must
Visitors’ medical insurance a must
Jazan honey exhibition records sales worth more than SR1m in 4 days
RIYADH: This year’s honey exhibition in Jazan recorded sales worth more than SR1 million ($266,000) during its first four days, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Executive Director of the exhibition and Vice President of the Jazan Beekeepers Association Suleiman Al-Ghazwani told the SPA that the achievement highlights the strong demand for local honey and consumers’ confidence in its quality and variety.
The exhibition, held at the cultural center in Al-Edabi Governorate, features 60 beekeepers showcasing about 10 tonnes of honey, representing 15 varieties produced in the region.
Held in Al-Edabi Governorate, the event is also hosting government and civil entities, highlighting their contributions to the local honey industry.
Jazan Beekeepers Association has a pavilion at the event showcasing modern honey extraction and sorting equipment, as well as manufacturing and processing tools, and supplies for beekeepers.
It is also showcasing samples of various products, demonstrating its role in supporting both the production and marketing stages.
The association is making efforts to support the transition from traditional hives to modern methods by providing the necessary equipment and tools and explaining how they work.
It also reviews training programs and development initiatives covering beekeeping fundamentals, production efficiency and the development of technical and marketing practices in the honey industry.
The association said its participation aims to advance the capabilities of local beekeepers in addition to supporting families and rural women in the industry.
It also works to raise awareness of the nutritional, therapeutic and economic value of honey and related products, and contributing to the protection and preservation of beekeeping pastures.
The festival provided opportunities for 45 families working in the industry to showcase and market their diverse products, offering visitors a rich tourism experience that reflects the region’s heritage.
The participating families showcased a wide variety of products, including traditional foods, accessories, perfumes, incense, clothing, herbal extracts and other heritage items.
The 10-day exhibition continues to attract visitors from across the Kingdom and abroad.
