Saudi Arabia approves draft of special residency system for expats

Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council on Wednesday approved the draft Distinguished Iqama (residency permit) Law, offering a number of privileges to qualified foreigners, Saudi Gazette reported.

According to the law, the holder of such an Iqama will have family status, and can obtain visit visa for relatives, recruit domestic workers apart from owning properties, means of transport and such other advantages, the report said.

The decision was taken at the 41st ordinary session of the Shura Council, chaired by its President Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh.

The draft law, which aims at attracting affluent people with special treatment, envisages that expatriates will have to make payment of a special fee determined by the executive regulations and that a center called the “Center of Distinguished Iqama” will be established for the purpose.

There will be two types of Iqamas – one for an unlimited period and the other for one-year validity with subject to renewal, the daily said.

The requirements for the new type of Iqama include a valid passport, enough financial resources, sound health report and certificate of no criminal record.