Cabinet decision on covering expat incremental costs to boost industry, says minister

The Saudi Cabinet’s decision to cover the incremental cost of expatriates working in all licensed industrial facilities will likely enhance the industrial sector, CNBC Arabia reported, citing Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.

“Such a decision urges the ministry to consider sustainable fair market mechanisms, providing more opportunities for the nationals,” the minister said.

“The cabinet’s decision targets the incremental cost only; other fees will likely remain unchanged,” he noted, adding that “the decision to maintain the energy and electricity prices with no change is still subject to discussion.”

The Saudi Cabinet decided lately to cover the incremental cost of expatriates working in all licensed industrial facilities for five years, as of Oct. 1, 2019.