GCC Countries Approve Unified Visa for Residents and Tourists

• The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) interior ministers have taken a historic step by unanimously approving the Unified Gulf Tourist Visa project during their 40th meeting in Muscat, Oman.

Key Highlights:

1. Unified Gulf Tourist Visa:

   • The GCC countries have come together to introduce a single tourist visa, streamlining entry for tourists across the region.
   • This initiative is set to boost tourism and economic growth in the GCC member states.

2. Electronic Traffic Violation Linkage:

   • Interior ministers have endorsed the launch of the first phase of an electronic system to link traffic violations across GCC countries.
   • This will improve road safety and facilitate the exchange of traffic-related data.

3. Gulf-wide Anti-Drug Strategy:

   • The GCC interior ministers have initiated a comprehensive strategy to combat drug abuse.
   • The strategy will address prevention, enforcement, and treatment, aiming to combat the growing threat of drug abuse in the region.

4. Security Challenges and Cooperation:

   • Interior Minister Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi stressed the need for enhanced coordination and technological advancement to combat evolving crime trends.
   • GCC Secretary-General Jasim Mohammed Al-Bedaiwi emphasized the importance of unified efforts to tackle the drug abuse issue.

5. Regional Security Concerns:

   • The ministers discussed the security implications of the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
   • They reaffirmed the necessity of continued communication and cooperation to ensure the stability and security of the Gulf region.

• The approval of the Unified Gulf Tourist Visa, electronic traffic violation linkage, and the commitment to combating drug abuse reflects the GCC’s dedication to enhancing regional integration and security.
• The decisions made at this meeting will have far-reaching positive impacts on tourism, safety, and security in the Gulf Cooperation Council member states.