Saudi Arabia has approved the granting of citizenship to foreign nationals with specialized skills in a number of professions on Thursday.
In this regard, experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that the new move “aims to attract people with qualitative expertise and competencies to contribute to the development of the Kingdom, which is experiencing a transformation of its national economy.”
The royal decree allows certain high-skilled professionals working in specialized areas within the legal, medical, scientific, cultural, sport and technical fields to obtain Saudi citizenship.
Economic expert Abdul Rahman Al-Jubeiry told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Saudi government’s decision comes in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance an attractive environment in which human competencies can develop.
“Granting citizenship to foreign competencies does not at all diminish the importance of national skills, as it is a global practice followed in the most developed and advanced countries and creates full competitiveness in the factors of production,” he stated.
For his part, Public Policy Expert Dr. Akram Jadawi underlined the importance of the decision in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, saying that it would attract qualified individuals, and thus contribute to the Kingdom’s continued progress.
Many major countries have opened the door for naturalization to gain competencies, and a diversity of experiences, he said, stressing that Saudi Arabia has become one of the developed countries that enjoy economic and investment capabilities, a strategic location and enormous wealth.
“Thus, granting Saudi citizenship contributes to the Kingdom’s continued progress to be among the ranks of the countries of the world,” he remarked.
