No police clearance required! Saudi Arabia broadcasts rest for Indian nationals in search of visa

Saudi Arabia on Thursday mentioned that it has exempted Indian nationals from submitting a Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) to acquire a visa for travelling to the Gulf nation. “In view of the sturdy relations and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India, the Kingdom has determined to exempt Indian nationals from submitting a Police Clearance Certificates (PCC),” the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in India mentioned in an announcement.

The certificates will now not be a requirement for Indian residents to acquire a visa for travelling to Saudi Arabia, the assertion mentioned. The choice has been taken as part of the efforts of the 2 nations to additional strengthen their relations. “The Embassy appreciates the contribution of over two million residents residing peacefully within the Kingdom,” the assertion mentioned.

The connection between India and Saudi Arabia has improved in the previous couple of years below Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He visited Saudi Arabia first in 2016 and 2019. In October 2019, Prime Minister Modi talked concerning the wonderful private relations between him and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia HRH Mohammad Bin Salman.
 
He mentioned since his first go to to the Kingdom in 2016, he had personally witnessed outstanding progress in our bilateral relations. “I’ve met His Royal Highness (HRH) Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 5 instances. I recall with heat my earlier conferences with him and stay up for assembly him once more throughout this go to. I’m assured that below the management of His Majesty King Salman and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia will solely develop stronger,” he mentioned. 

Prime Minister Modi additional mentioned that ‘Neighbourhood First’ continues to be the guiding imaginative and prescient for his authorities’s overseas coverage. “India’s relations with Saudi Arabia are some of the necessary bilateral relationships in our prolonged neighbourhood,” he added.

In a particular gesture, Saudi Arabia conferred its highest civilian honour – the King Abdulaziz Sash – on Prime Minister Modi in 2016.