Mobile campaign to highlight business, management courses
After launching it, IIAM business school officials mentioned that the the first of its kind mobile campaign aimed at taking higher education opportunities to the doorstep of aspiring students. The initiative will facilitate on-the-spot counselling and admissions into BBA and BCA programmes affiliated to Andhra University and AICTE-approved post graduate diploma in management (PGDM).
The mobile admission unit, equipped with trained counsellors and digital facilities, will travel across various towns and cities, guiding students through the application process, clarifying course details. Former VC of Acharya Nagarjuna University V Balamohan Das, Director general, IIAM V Krishna Mohan, dean and director SP Ravindra, among others, flagged off the campaign.
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India Today
15 hours ago
- India Today
Traditional vs modern engineering: What gen Z is choosing and why it matters
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
How to claim your 15% VAT refund in Saudi Arabia: Everything visitors need to know
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Here's a comprehensive guide to help travelers understand the eligibility, process, rules, and important details, so they can easily claim their VAT refund before leaving the Kingdom. Understanding the VAT refund policy Saudi Arabia's Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has officially introduced a VAT refund system for international tourists and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals. This move allows visitors to reclaim the 15% VAT paid on qualifying purchases, helping to support the Kingdom's larger strategy of attracting global tourism and stimulating spending in its retail sector. Effective Date: The VAT refund policy has been in effect since April 18. Applicable VAT Rate: Eligible purchases are effectively charged 0% VAT at the point of sale from approved retailers. The 15% VAT paid is refunded later via authorized providers. Scope of Eligibility: Non-residents aged 18 and above are eligible. GCC nationals are included until new electronic services laws are implemented. Shoppers who are not a member of cabin or crew on a flight, aircraft, ship, or any other means of transportation departing from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia A minimum spend of SAR 500 (approx.$133) per retailer (can be combined from up to three invoices on the same day) is required. This VAT exemption only applies to goods and excludes services, meaning that accommodation, food, beverages, tobacco, vehicles, boats, aircraft, and petroleum products are not eligible. Where and how to shop To benefit from the refund, shopping must be done only at ZATCA-authorized retail outlets that are part of the tax refund system. As of now, there are: 1,442 authorized retailers across the Kingdom. These include major outlets in tourism-heavy cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. At the point of sale, tourists must: Inform the retailer that they intend to claim a VAT refund. Present a valid passport or GCC ID. Request the VAT exemption form. Receive the original invoice, which must clearly show the VAT amount. Receive the VAT refund application form. Important: The goods must be unused, strictly for personal use, and exported within 90 days of the purchase date. How to spot ZATCA-approved retailers for VAT refunds If you're planning to claim back the 15% VAT on your shopping in Saudi Arabia, one of the most important steps is to make sure you're buying from the right stores, those officially partnered with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). Only these approved retailers are authorized to issue the documents needed for your VAT refund. Here's how to make sure you're shopping at an eligible store: 1. Look for 'tax free' or 'VAT refund' signs Most ZATCA-approved retailers will clearly display signage that says 'Tax Free Shopping' or 'VAT Refund Available,' usually at the entrance, checkout counter, or both. 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Stay updated with ZATCA notices From time to time, ZATCA publishes official announcements or lists highlighting new or major retailers added to the VAT refund program. While this isn't always the most current source, it's still worth checking their official website for any updates. The airport process – claiming the refund Tourists must complete their VAT refund at the airport upon departure. Currently, 18 VAT verification points are set up across three international airports, and their locations, along with refund offices, can also be found using the Global Blue locator tool. Riyadh – King Khalid International Airport: 10 counters Jeddah – King Abdulaziz International Airport: 4 counters Dammam – King Fahd International Airport: 4 counters Note: The North Terminal at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz Airport currently does not offer cash refunds. Travelers departing from this terminal must opt for card refunds only. 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Look for "Tax Free" or "VAT Refund" signage at the store, ask the staff directly, or use the Global Blue app or website to find approved retailers. Q. What purchases are actually eligible for a VAT refund? Only tangible goods bought for personal use, such as clothing or electronics, are eligible. Food, hotel stays, tobacco, and vehicles are excluded. Q. What documents do I need to claim my VAT refund at the airport? You must show your original tax invoices, completed refund form, passport, and proof of departure (like a boarding pass or travel itinerary). Q. Can I get my refund in cash? Yes, but cash refunds are limited to SAR 5,000 per person per day. If your refund is higher, the amount will be split between cash (up to SAR 5,000) and the rest credited to your payment card, with no upper limit on card refunds. Note: At Jeddah Airport's North Terminal, only card refunds are available, no cash is issued there. Q. What happens if I lose my receipts or forget to get the refund form? Unfortunately, you won't be able to claim the refund. Only receipts from ZATCA-approved retailers with the proper forms are accepted at the refund counters.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
D G Shipping rolls out verification process to weed out seafarers holding fraudulent certificates
Advt Advt By , ETInfra Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. Get updates on your preferred social platform Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more. Allaying concerns over loss of jobs due to its July circular, the Directorate General of Shipping has stated that Indian seafarers are not being debarred or disqualified from sailing per se and can continue to sail in their respective ranks based on the genuine qualification certificates provided their documentation is found to be in assess the authenticity of certificates issued to Indian seafarers by foreign maritime administrations that are not recognised by India, the D G Shipping has put in place a verification process. The move comes in the wake of concerns expressed by unions that the circular issued by the maritime regulator on July 18 would hurt thousands of seafarers' employed on foreign flagged a validation process aimed at weeding out Indian seafarers holding fraudulently obtained Certificate of Competency (CoC) and Certificate of Proficiency (CoP), India's maritime regulator has asked the affected seafarers to submit their original training and certification records through the D G Shipping-approved Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agents who have hired them on the last documents to be submitted includes CoC/CoP issued by state parties which are not recognised by India, STCW modular courses relevant to the CoC/CoP, competency course relevant to the CoC and seagoing service records with copies of the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) showing the relevant sea service preceding the issuance of the CoC/CoP, according to an addendum issued by the D G Shipping on August documents and records have to be submitted along with a notarised affidavit, duly sworn and signed by the seafarer, attesting their RPSL agents have been asked to submit a separate case file for each seafarer along with the documents and records to the D G Shipping within 30 days.A Committee notified by the D G Shipping will then undertake verification of the seafarers' certificates and assess the authenticity of the certificates issued by the foreign administrations and training providers.'If the documents are found to be genuine and meeting the requirements of the STCW Convention, then the seafarers' shall be permitted to join vessels immediately. If not, the reports will be forwarded to the concerned maritime administration for cancellation of CoC/CoP and the RPSL agency and the seafarer will be duly informed about the action being initiated,' Capt Ravi Singh Sikarwar, Nautical Surveyor-cum-DDG (Technical) wrote in the August 5 D G Shipping reiterated that its July 18 circular 'does not impose any blanket restriction or prohibition on seafarers from continuing their employment or sailing'.'The circular merely mandates verification of certificates of the seafarers by the RPSL agency, holding qualifications from certain foreign administrations, in the interest of safeguarding maritime safety and regulatory compliance. The seafarers are not being debarred or disqualified from sailing per se; they can continue to sail in their respective ranks based on the genuine CoC/CoP, provided their documentation is found to be in order. The intent of the circular is purely regulatory and preventive, aimed at identifying and acting against fraudulent practices, without causing undue hardship to genuine seafarers,' the regulator D G Shipping said it has received representation from seafarers' unions on the July 18 circular, expressing their concern and the need to have a validation process for seafarers with genuine certificates.'At the same time, all the industry associations and the seafarers' unions expressed support for the cleanup efforts of the DGS and stressed that action should be taken against persons holding fraudulent certificates ,' the D G Shipping added.
