In a move aimed at encouraging settlements in remote areas and curb migration into cities, the government has decided to grant permission to investors to establish confectioneries and water plants, besides taking up infrastructure projects like roads and parks in such areas.

The administration is expected to announce a slew of measures in the next three months which include increase in subsidy for those living in such areas, whether natives or people from other areas who have settled there, a source said.

As part of the exercise, businessmen will also be encouraged to set up recreational, developmental, sports and economic centers through investments in private or government land with small sums for a minimum period of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years.

The source said the government will also encourage investments in virgin areas, expand urban limits, open up these areas to tourism and invest in archaeological sites and expand them.

The source said the new measures will come into effect from June, and will curb migration by 10 percent.

Reports pointed out that remote areas in the mid region rank first followed by Asir, Al-Baha, Jazan and Northern Border.