Free zones to be exempted from visa fines
SHARJAH: To provide ease during the pandemic, Sharjah government has decided to exempt free zones from visa fines. This is among a list of decisions issued by the government which also includes the below:
1. Exempting all commercial and wooden vessels from mooring fees and loading fees in Sharjah Creek, Hamriyah Free Zone and Khorfakkan Creek.
2. Reducing the fees due on port operations by 20% on handling, shipping, unloading and related fees, and marine fees.
3. Exempting all bulk goods from storage fees for a period of ninety days.
4. Reducing the tariff for truck parking in Sharjah Ports by 50% within the designated areas.
5. Exempting all shipping and customs clearance companies from the bank guarantees required to conduct their activities.
6. Exempting all commercial companies from inspection fees.
7. Exempting companies operating in the free zones from fines for delaying renewal of licenses.
8. 50% discount on corporate stock transfer fees.
9. Exempting all new licenses from fees according to its commercial activities.
10.Exempting hotel establishments from the fees of the Commercial and Tourism Development Authority, which amounts to 5% for a period of 3 months, as of April 1.
11. Exempting hotel establishments from the previous violations of the Authority, which resulted in them during the year 2019 until March 31, 2020.
12. Postponing the payment of installments for projects funded by the Sharjah Foundation to support youth projects (pioneers) for a period of 3 months.
13. The possibility of postponing the installments of projects funded through banks for a period of 3 years in coordination with the banks and according to the case of each project separately.
14. Exemptions for the investing sector dealing with the Department of Town Planning and Survey from the payment of contractual dues for a period of 3 months, as of April 1, according to the following categories: - Government land investors.
- Investors whose activities relate to change of use from residential to commercial. - Investors in government parkings.
The Sharjah Council directed the formation of a committee headed by Sheikh Salem Bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, head of the Ruler’s Office, membership of the Central Finance Department and the Department of Economic Development and three members of the private sector, in order to continue the study of the economic situation during the coming period of time, and to make their recommendations in relation those enhancements, as well as present them to the Council in order to take necessary action, considering the public interest of citizens and residents into account.