The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued on Friday a royal order to ease burdens on the citizens within the framework of what His Royal Highness the Crown Prince presented to him concerning the necessary measures taken by the State to restructure the economy, leading to an increase in the burdens of living on some segments of the people. The Royal Order came as follows: First: The annual bonus for citizens of civil and military employees for this fiscal year (1439/1440 AH) shall be paid as of 14/04 /1439 H corresponding to 01/01/2018. Second: A monthly Cost of Living Allowance of (SR 1,000) shall be paid for citizens of civil and military employees for one year. Third: Payment of 5,000 riyals rewards to military personnel serving at the Kingdom's southern frontline. Fourth: Payment of (500) five hundred riyals as a cost of living allowance for the retirement pension paid by the Public Pension Agency and the General Organization for Social Insurance for the beneficiaries of the citizens for one year. Fifth: Payment of (500) five hundred riyals as a cost of living allowance for the monthly financial provision allocated for social security beneficiaries for one year, provided that this allowance not to be combined with the allowance mentioned in item "Fourth". Sixth: Increasing the stipend payments for male and female students by (10%) for one year. Seventh: The State shall bear the value added tax (VAT) rather than citizens benefiting from private health services and private education. Eighth: The State shall pay the value added tax (VAT) not exceeding (850,000) eight hundred and fifty thousand riyals as a portion of the purchase price of the citizen's first home. Ninth: Competent authorities shall carry out the order with immediate effect.
