Payment forms for the issuance of iqamas for house helps and Saudi passports at automatic teller machines and online had incorrectly displayed higher rates.

Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmad said last week that the ministry would liaise with the Ministry of Finance to implement the reduced charges.

As such, the registration of private sedans will remain at SR150 and SR300 for transport vehicles. Renewal fees for housemaids’ iqamas will continue to be SR350, while it remains at SR150 for a Saudi passport.

The Council of Ministers issued an order reducing fees for various government services for a three-year period effective from January 2008 in the face of spiralling living costs. When the grace period ended in December, many people had voiced concern that the government would not extend the subsidy.