EBME Forums Forums Free discussion Out of Hours Magic Kingdom Biomed Expats II

There are rumours bouncing around that a tax is being proposed on remittances being sent out by expats from Saudi Arabia. A figure of 6% has been mentioned.

I wonder how that will be implemented (collected) ... deducted by the bank when a transfer is made, I suppose? Hopefully not a deduction from salary every month!

Meanwhile, I read that income tax for locals is still not being considered.

How about it Neil; what gives?

Happy Ramadan, by the way.

See here for the earlier thread.

Never happen mate! The Saudi authorities have harked on about this for the last 30 years. I remember, during the 80's it was imminent that tax would be introduced however; overnight this was withdrawn after they heard that the majority of western expats would leave the country.

I also remember when they tried it on before, Angus.

As well as the time of the rumours about revaluing the Riyal; which turned out to be another "damp squib", thankfully.

But the dynamics are a bit different these days, I would suggest. Far fewer Western expats to worry about leaving, for starters. As well as the ever-increasing local population (to be "supported"), falling oil revenues, a different (younger) generation in charge ... and all the rest.

No doubt they are "testing the waters" again now (as there's a lot about it on the internet). My guess is that they will be trying to calibrate the amount - some expats might be able to shrug off 5% (say); but if it was as high as 20% then, yes, we would expect a mass exodus.

Meanwhile, here in the UK, I'll admit I'm far more concerned about (supporting) "Biomeds for Brexit"!

Have a look at the project 2030, don't know if this is the year 2030 or 20:30 as all plans here fail. Unless they go back to basics, fix the education system, teach responsibility nothing will work.
For me I am planning to retire this coming January, so really whatever they do I don't care. Golf and the Beaches in Thailand will be a welcome sight.

Neil, don't suppose you need a caddy or someone to spread suntan lotion on your back ?????

Are you talking about KSA or UK there, Neil.

In both countries over-population is the Elephant (camel?) in the Room ... that, and a general lack of opportunities for the "masses" - but (as the recent referendum campaigns have reminded us), in the UK at least, all the so-called "leaders" do is pussy-foot around.

BTW, I see that SANG has been getting nicely tooled up again (I'll leave others to draw their own conclusions - if any - from that development).

Many golf courses in Thailand, Neil? I thought it was all paddy fields and so forth.

What's wrong with just heading a little way south from where you are, Malcolm?

Surely you like tomatoes (and olives etc.) ... and isn't that where the pasta trees are?

Ciao

Loads of golf courses in Thailand, plus rice fields (own one) With your exit from the EU maybe you might have money to spend on education and health, unless the cronies decide to keep the money in London and the South East as usual.

Hopefully a bit left over for building more houses, and defending our borders, as well.

But maybe you haven't heard about the "Northern Powerhouse", Neil. Quite a few golf courses around up there (but very few paddy fields).

Geoff, the sun don't shine that much more.