XIPHIAS MD Varun Singh Speaks on Firstpost Spotlight
Varun Singh, Managing Director of XIPHIAS Immigration, appeared on Firstpost Spotlight with anchor Daniela Laurel to discuss Saudi Arabia's newly launched One-Stop Package Visa Pilot — a landmark initiative that allows travellers from six countries, including India, to book flights, accommodation, tourist visas, experiences, and activities through a single authorised travel provider.
The feature explored how this simplified approach to travel and visa access fits into Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy to transform tourism into a major economic pillar beyond oil and religious travel.
Watch the Firstpost Spotlight Feature
What Is the One-Stop Package Visa Pilot?
Saudi Arabia's One-Stop Package Visa is a significant shift in how international travel to the Kingdom is structured. Instead of navigating separate processes for visas, flights, hotels, and activities, travellers can now complete everything through a single authorised travel provider.
Key features of the pilot:
- Six countries included in the pilot programme — India is among them
- Single-window booking for flights, accommodation, tourist visa, and experiences
- Less paperwork and a simpler, faster travel experience
- Authorised travel providers manage the full package end to end
- Designed to scale — if successful, the model could be expanded globally
Why This Matters for Indian Travellers
India is one of the six countries included in the pilot, making this directly relevant for Indian nationals considering travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism, leisure, or cultural experiences.
India and Saudi Arabia share strong historical and economic ties. With approximately 2.4 million Indians living and working in the Kingdom, and a large community travelling for Umrah, business, and family visits, a simplified visa process could significantly increase travel volumes.
For Indians considering Saudi Arabia as a tourism destination — whether for the Edge of the World, cultural landmarks, or major global events — the One-Stop model removes traditional friction points in the travel planning process.
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Tourism Push
The One-Stop Package Visa Pilot is a direct product of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's long-term economic diversification strategy led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Key Vision 2030 tourism goals:
- 150 million tourist visits annually by 2030
- Reduce economic dependence on oil revenue
- Open up the entertainment, sports, culture, and hospitality sectors
- Develop iconic destinations such as NEOM, AlUla, and the Edge of the World
- Host major global events including sporting competitions and entertainment festivals
The Edge of the World — a dramatic natural escarpment near Riyadh — has become a symbol of Saudi Arabia's new tourism identity, attracting international visitors who previously would not have considered the Kingdom as a leisure destination.
New Visa Reforms Reshaping Global Access
Beyond the One-Stop Pilot, Saudi Arabia has been steadily reforming its visa framework:
- e-Visa for nationals of eligible countries
- Tourist visa on arrival for select nationalities
- Business visitor visa reform to support international trade
- Premium Residency for high-net-worth individuals and exceptional talent
These reforms, combined with the One-Stop Package Visa, signal that Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a competitive and accessible global destination — not just for religious tourism but for a much broader international audience.
Key Takeaways from the Feature
- Saudi Arabia has launched a One-Stop Package Visa Pilot covering six countries including India.
- Indian travellers can now book flights, hotels, visas, and experiences through a single authorised provider.
- The initiative is part of Vision 2030 to make tourism a major economic driver beyond oil and Hajj/Umrah.
- Saudi Arabia is actively promoting new destinations like the Edge of the World to attract global visitors.
- If the pilot succeeds, the model could be expanded to more countries, opening Saudi Arabia to millions more international visitors.
XIPHIAS Expert Perspective
"Saudi Arabia's One-Stop Package Visa is a clear signal that the Kingdom is serious about opening up to international tourism. For Indian travellers especially, this removes a key barrier. The single-window approach reflects how global mobility is evolving — accessibility, simplicity, and integrated experiences are what modern travellers expect."
— Varun Singh, Managing Director, XIPHIAS Immigration
XIPHIAS Immigration advises clients on global mobility planning, including Gulf region travel and employment documentation, multi-country residency pathways, and international mobility strategy for professionals, investors, and families.
