DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia - Filipinos in Eastern Saudi were elated over the pronouncement of the Saudi Passport Department recently quashing the rumors circulating for quite some time now that the cost for exit/re-entry visa will increase.

Talking to Arab News recently, Imad Al-Abdulqader, spokesman of Passport Department in Eastern Saudi, has categorically denied any increase in the exit/re-entry fees. He said the department has not issued any circular regarding the issue.

He said the fees remain the same. A single exit/re-entry costs 200 Saudi Riyals (SR.200) and a multiple entry visa costs SR.500.

Heiji Lota, a Filipino accountant in Dammam, is happy the rumor is not true.

“Nagpapasalamat ako na hindi natuloy yong ido-doble nila yong bayarin sa exit/re-entry visa kasi malaking epekto sa amin yan dahil kami nagso-shoulder sa visa ng family namin dito,” Lota said.

The rumors began to circulate after the cost of work permit was recently raised.

Lota is relieved because if the rumors were true his budget will be affected. He will be paying SR.1,200 for his three children every time they go on vacation or on a leisure trip outside the kingdom.

“Hindi kasi ako naka-family status sa kumpanya namin kaya kung nagkatotoo ang bali-balita mabigat talaga sa’kin, idagdag mo pa dito yong mataas na presyo ng airline tickets ngayon,” Lota added.

Bong Buella, HR Supervisor in Al-Khobar, echoed Lota's sentiments.

“Napakasayang balita ito dahil kung nagkataon napakalaking impact nito sa mga non-family status na nagtatrabaho dito kasama ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” said Buella.

Although Buella is not affected by the issue because his company pays the visa for his three kids, he is concerned that this will also discourage some families who have children to go on vacation.