AlKhorayef: Crown Prince backed swift move to end expat fee

Bandar AlKhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar AlKhorayef said abolishing the fee imposed on expatriate workers at industrial facilities would be a key factor in creating stability in policies related to industrial investment.

Speaking during a session at the eighth Riyadh Industrialists Council, AlKhorayef said the move would also prompt investors who had been awaiting clearer government direction on the issue to move ahead with their investment decisions.

He said the decision reflects the Kingdom’s clear vision and leadership support for the industrial sector and its role in diversifying the economic base, boosting exports, and creating jobs and investment opportunities to drive growth in the non-oil economy.

AlKhorayef said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also Prime Minister, strongly defended the sector during the meeting in which the decision was taken, demonstrating detailed knowledge of the industry and personally leading the move to approve the decision in both form and timing.

He added that the decision was announced at unprecedented speed, despite the absence of cabinet meetings following the budget announcement, underscoring its importance and the crown prince’s support and conviction.

According to Argaam data, the cabinet recently approved the abolition of the fee imposed on expatriate workers at industrial establishments licensed under industrial permits.