Representatives of the concerned government agencies confirmed in the previous meetings of parliamentary committees that, in principle, there is no objection to lifting the ban on the issuance of visit and family visas, provided the humanitarian and economic aspects are taken into consideration, reports Al- Seyassah daily quoting parliamentary sources.

Sources pointed out that the previous experiences entail the necessity of imposing certain restrictions and regulations in the public’s interest. Sources said all these are stipulated in the government’s proposed amendment of the Foreigners Residency Law, which has been included in the agenda of the upcoming legislative session.

Sources added: “Political developments may have contributed to the delay in approving this important bill. The parliamentary Interior and Defense Affairs Committee has completed a balanced report that achieves common objectives and sets controls for the Ministry of Interior to move forward in opening family, tourist, and commercial visit visas.”

Sources went on to say that the bill states there will be no changes in the fees for issuing and renewing all types of visas; clarifying the bill does not specify these fees, but it authorizes the Minister of Interior to issue decisions to amend them. Sources pointed out that imposing compulsory health insurance on visitors would also contribute to expediting the lifting of visa restrictions, affirming this insurance would generate good revenues for the State, reduce the burden on government hospitals, and develop their infrastructure to focus on providing health services to citizens efficiently.