GCC Pushes for Schengen Visa Exemption

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is advocating for the exemption of its citizens from the Schengen visa, as revealed by the bloc’s secretary general, Jasem Albudaiwi. Albudaiwi announced plans to address this matter during his upcoming trip to Brussels, stressing the positive contributions of Gulf citizens in Europe, including education, tourism, and trade.

Albudaiwi emphasized the stability of GCC countries and their export of positivity rather than negativity. Despite this, he highlighted the absence of visa exemption for GCC citizens, expressing the belief that they deserve such a privilege.

Pointing out the positive impact of GCC investments in Europe, Albudaiwi expressed optimism about the possibility of securing the visa waiver. He envisioned a phase where all GCC countries celebrate the exemption of their citizens from the Schengen visa requirement.

Formed in 1981, the GCC includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. A unified Gulf visa system, approved during a GCC summit in Doha last December, aims to facilitate travel across these countries.

Technical committees are currently refining the unified Gulf visa system before presenting it for member countries’ approval. Albudaiwi anticipated issuing the first unified Gulf visa within the year.

Furthermore, GCC interior ministers endorsed a Schengen-like unified tourist visa during a meeting in Oman last November. This significant move is expected to bolster tourism and the economy of GCC countries.

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