Saudi Arabia, in a controversial decision, has extended the legal deadlines for road transport companies until February 27, 2027. This decision will particularly impact freight companies and private passenger buses, giving them more time to align with the new requirements of the country's land transport law.
Why Was This Extension Necessary?
The Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, has issued two directives extending the deadlines for the transport of commercial and non-commercial goods, along with private passenger bus services. This decision allows private bus operators to add their new activities to their commercial registration, thereby obtaining their operational licenses.
Furthermore, this move gives companies the opportunity to adjust their operations to comply with the legal requirements and executive regulations of the land transport law. With this extension, operators of heavy commercial and non-commercial freight will also need to make changes to their vehicle registrations and obtain operational cards for their vehicles.
Consequences of This Decision
This extension not only allows transport companies to gradually adapt to the new requirements, but it also reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to improving business conditions and facilitating operational processes in this sector. Additionally, light freight operators will have more opportunities to obtain professional driver cards and can continue their activities legally and systematically.
The General Transport Authority has clearly stated that this extension provides related companies with more time to go through the legal processes and improve compliance with the requirements. This decision clearly indicates that Saudi Arabia is seeking to strengthen its transport infrastructure and ensure the continuity of business activities within the framework of the law.
