JEDDAH, 23 January 2004 — The Dutch Consulate here is scheduled to close. Arab News learned that due to unspecified financial reasons it would cease operations.
“Yes, the Dutch Consulate will be closing its offices in Jeddah, and in four other locations internationally,” said Consul General Hans Wagenaar. “The other locations are Houston, Bonn, Lagos and Karachi.”
There are between 400 and 500 Dutch nationals living in the Kingdom though Dutch business interests here are diminishing because of “economic and security factors,” according to Wagenaar.
The Dutch visa processing department halted activities on Jan. 1. All services to the Dutch community will be concluded by the end of February and the consulate offices will be permanently closed by the end of March.
All mission duties and activities will then be handled by the Dutch Embassy in Riyadh.
