Latest news with #andCustomsAuthority
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
120 Saudi Government Staff Detained For Suspected Bribery, Job Exploitation
Saudi Arabia's state anti-corruption watchdog has interrogated 435 suspects this month and arrested 120 of them on suspicions of graft amid a relentless clampdown on white-collar corruption in the kingdom. The detainees are employees at the ministries of interior, defence, municipalities and housing, human resources, transport, and health, as well as the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority said. They were investigated on charges of bribery and job exploitation. The watchdog, known as Nazha (Integrity) has reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring, exposing, and prosecuting anyone involved in abusing public office, vowing to protect public funds and reinforce transparency in both public and private sectors. In recent years, hundreds of state employees and businesspeople in Saudi Arabia have been interrogated for suspected corruption and mismanagement of public money. In January, local media reported that Saudi authorities had arrested 1,708 people in 2024, including government staff, over suspicions of corruption, money laundering, and influence trading. These arrests followed 4,000 investigations and over 37,000 oversight rounds. During last year's Hajj season, Nazaha also carried out 9,600 inspections at Mecca's holy sites and affiliated agencies, resulting in 155 arrests linked to corruption.
Gulf Insider
27-04-2025
- Gulf Insider
1,314 Cases of Contraband Seizure at Saudi Customs Ports in a Week
The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority revealed the seizure of 1,314 cases of contraband smuggling at land, sea, and air customs ports across Saudi Arabia within one week. The seized items included 54 types of narcotics and 782 prohibited substances. The seizures included 2,252 types of tobacco and its derivatives, 22 types of cash, and five weapons and related supplies. The authority reiterated its continued efforts to tighten customs control over the Kingdom's imports and exports so as to ensure the security and protection of society. This is achieved through continuous cooperation and coordination with all its partners from relevant authorities. The authority urged the participation of the public in combating smuggling to protect society and the national economy through calling the number 1910, designated for security reports. This number receives reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the provisions of the Unified Customs Law with complete confidentiality, with awarding a financial reward to the informer if the data provided is accurate.
Gulf News
27-04-2025
- Gulf News
Saudi Arabia seizes narcotics, tobacco and weapons in major smuggling bust
Dubai: Saudi authorities have successfully thwarted 1,314 smuggling attempts across the Kingdom's land, sea, and air customs ports in just one week, as part of intensified efforts to protect society and the national economy. The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority reported that the confiscated items included 54 types of narcotics, 782 prohibited substances, 2,252 tobacco products, 22 types of cash, and five weapons with related supplies. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening customs control at all entry points, in coordination with relevant agencies, to safeguard national security and stability.
Saudi Gazette
26-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
1,314 cases of contraband seizure at Saudi customs ports in a week
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority revealed the seizure of 1,314 cases of contraband smuggling at land, sea, and air customs ports across Saudi Arabia within one week. The seized items included 54 types of narcotics and 782 prohibited substances. The seizures included 2,252 types of tobacco and its derivatives, 22 types of cash, and five weapons and related supplies. The authority reiterated its continued efforts to tighten customs control over the Kingdom's imports and exports so as to ensure the security and protection of society. This is achieved through continuous cooperation and coordination with all its partners from relevant authorities. The authority urged the participation of the public in combating smuggling to protect society and the national economy through calling the number 1910, designated for security reports. This number receives reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the provisions of the Unified Customs Law with complete confidentiality, with awarding a financial reward to the informer if the data provided is accurate.
Asharq Al-Awsat
23-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi VAT Refund Scheme Poised to Boost Tourism and Retail Spending
Saudi Arabia's recent decision to allow foreign tourists to reclaim value-added tax (VAT) on eligible purchases is expected to significantly enhance the Kingdom's appeal as a global tourist destination, while giving a strong boost to retail and non-oil economic sectors. The policy follows amendments to the executive regulations of the VAT law, approved by the Board of Directors of the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority. Effective April 18, international visitors are now eligible to reclaim the 15% VAT on goods purchased in Saudi Arabia, provided the items are for personal use and not consumed within the country. Refunds can be processed at departure points through designated service providers. The move comes amid Saudi Arabia's continued efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030. The Kingdom recorded more than 30 million foreign visitors in 2024, and international tourist spending reached a record SAR154 billion (USD41 billion), a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Tax expert Ali Al-Nasser told Asharq Al-Awsat that the VAT refund initiative marks a pivotal step toward positioning Saudi Arabia as a competitive tourism hub. 'Lowering the effective cost of shopping by 15% creates a powerful incentive for visitors to spend more. This will not only stimulate retail activity but also encourage businesses to improve services and tailor promotions to tourists,' he said. Al-Nasser advised tourists to keep tax invoices from participating retailers and ensure purchases are unused before departure. Refunds do not apply to services such as accommodation, food and beverages, tobacco products, or vehicle purchases. He also emphasized that refunds must be requested at the point of exit through officially approved channels. Experts anticipate that the new system will lead to a 15-20% rise in tourist arrivals in the coming years, driven by the added value and improved visitor experience. Al-Nasser also expects a 10-15% increase in average spending per tourist, especially as awareness of the refund system grows. Mohammed Al-Abdulkarim, a tourism expert, called the VAT refund scheme a 'strategic step' that aligns with Saudi Arabia's tourism ambitions. 'Allowing tax refunds makes Saudi Arabia more competitive with other global destinations, particularly for shopping tourism,' he said. 'It enhances visitor satisfaction and encourages both longer stays and repeat visits.' Al-Abdulkarim urged tourists to retain receipts and provide passport information at the point of sale. He added that refunds can be issued either in cash or via electronic payment at the airport before departure. Beyond tourism, the VAT refund program is expected to have a broader economic impact. Increased tourist spending will benefit retail outlets, while related sectors such as transport and hospitality are likely to see indirect gains.
