RIYADH, 25 July — Saudi businessmen and tourists intending to visit Singapore should still secure a sponsor in the Southeast Asian country, the country’s embassy here said. Singapore introduced the measure last October.
"We have not canceled the sponsor condition for Saudi visitors," Younus Ashraf, first secretary at the embassy told Arab News.
The confirmation came after reports that Singapore had canceled the condition following efforts by the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
There were reports that businessmen intending to visit Singapore could produce a letter from the CSCCI in place of sponsorship to get visas.
But Ashraf said Saudi visitors still needed a sponsor.
"The subject of CSCCI letter is still under study. We are discussing it with the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry," but no final decision was taken on the issue.
"Starting Oct. 13, 2001 and continuing indefinitely, Saudi nationals holding government, diplomatic and ordinary passports need a visa and a letter from a sponsor in Singapore to be able to visit the island," a previous embassy statement said.
The sponsor must guarantee that the visitor will leave Singapore after the visit, but no financial guarantee is needed, he added.
Informed sources, however, told Arab News that the embassy was accepting introduction letters from companies of intending visitors if they could not find a sponsor. The embassy forwards the letter to Singapore for approval.
"In most cases such applications are approved by the government," the sources said.
A previous report said Saudi businessmen, who are chamber members, would be able to travel to Singapore for business or tourism without local sponsors.
"However, those who wish to get the visa should carry a letter of introduction from the chamber," the report added.
Singapore in October tightened entry requirements for passport holders from five countries — Iran, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan — demanding they get visas because of the "global security situation." Nationals from the five countries were required to have local sponsors for getting the visa.
Shaukat Naeem Ghuman, a frequent visitor to Singapore, said the decision would have a negative impact on trade and tourism.
"It means that we cannot visit Singapore at short notice on a business mission."
Singapore is the fourth largest importer from the Kingdom. There has been a 33 percent increase in the balance of trade in 2000 compared to 29 percent in 1999.
