Saudi royal decree to grant citizenship to skilled professionals

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia administration released on Thursday a royal decree approving the granting of citizenship to foreign nationals with specialised skills in several professions, Arab News reported. The royal decree allows high skilled professionals in legal, medical, scientific, cultural, sport and technical fields to obtain the Kingdom's citizenship.

The order aims to include expats and tribes based in the country as well. Professionals in the areas of forensic and medical science, technology, agriculture, nuclear and renewable energy, oil and gas, artificial intelligence etc., in addition to specialists in arts, sports and culture, will be welcomed.

The move aims at the diversification of Saudi' economy, driving development and social reform plans by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It comes parallel to Saudi's Vision 2030, which targets creating an attractive top-level business environment for professionals.

In 2019, Saudi had announced that it would open opportunities to naturalisation for distinguished scientists, innovators and cultural professionals who meet the required criteria. It is meant to allow experts and investors to establish a strong base in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Project, a government platform, said at that time that the Kingdom wishes to become a diverse hub that the Arab world will be proud of, and for that, it is ready to accommodate skilled professionals from worldwide.