India, Saudi Arabia agree on multiple-entry visas to businessmen

India and Saudi Arabia have decided to grant long-term, multiple entry visas to businessmen as the two strengthen economic ties. The two countries will also increase cooperation in the areas of customs duties, science and technology and in the exploration of oil, gas and minerals.
 
The decision was taken after extensive discussions between the Indian team, led by the finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and the Saudi delegation headed by their commerce and industry minister Abdullah Zainal Alireza, at the eighth session of the Indo-Saudi Joint Commission held at the Conference Palace in Riyadh on Saturday.

"The Indo-Saudi Joint Commission meeting was fruitful and brought in new vistas of cooperation, thereby deepening the economic and commercial relations," Mukherjee told reporters after the meeting.

Granting of long-term, multiple entry visas to businesspersons would facilitate frequent business visits to both countries and enhance bilateral economic and commercial exchanges, officials said.

The other topics of discussion during the Indo-Saudi Joint Commission meeting includes economic and commercial exchanges, investment, security to labour, visas and community welfare. The two countries also decided on improved cooperation in new areas like engineering, agriculture and higher education.