Riyadh Institute Fulfills Royal Order, Welcoming New Citizens
The Royal Order Grants Saudi Citizenship to Eight Brothers in Riyadh: In a momentous occasion for both the eight brothers and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Institute of Citizenship and Civil Affairs in Riyadh has officially granted Saudi citizenship to the sons of Muhammad Ibrahim Qasim al-Tiawi. Announced through the official gazette Umm al-Qari, this decision marks a significant shift in the Saudi approach to naturalization, potentially signaling a broader opening for permanent residency and citizenship beyond professional specializations.
Unveiling the New Saudi Citizens:
The newly minted Saudi citizens, residing in Riyadh, are:
Nouf
Adi
Adhari
Ahmed
Ibrahim
Iryam
Yusef
The royal decree granting them citizenship reflects a conscious move to expand the definition of deserving recipients beyond individuals with professional expertise in areas such as law, medicine, science, culture, sports, and technical fields. This departure from tradition signifies a potential willingness to consider other factors, such as long-term residency, community integration, and family ties when awarding citizenship.
A Shift in Saudi Naturalization Policy?
While the specific circumstances surrounding the Qasim al-Tiawi brothers' case remain undisclosed, the royal decree granting them citizenship holds broader implications for Saudi Arabia's naturalization policy. Previously, access to Saudi citizenship was primarily reserved for foreign professionals deemed exceptionally skilled in their respective fields. This emphasis on professional expertise served as a key filter, limiting the pool of eligible candidates.
Potential Implications for Future Applicants:
The decision to grant citizenship to the Qasim al-Tiawi brothers suggests a potential broadening of the criteria for naturalization in Saudi Arabia. While the full extent of this shift remains unclear, it opens the door for considering additional factors, including:
Long-term residency: Individuals who have resided in Saudi Arabia for a significant period, contributing to the community and upholding its values, may be viewed more favorably.
Family ties: Having close family members who are already Saudi citizens could potentially strengthen an application. Integration and contribution: Demonstrating active integration into Saudi society and making positive contributions, regardless of professional background, could become relevant factors.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Saudi Citizenship?
The granting of Saudi citizenship to the Qasim al-Tiawi brothers, while seemingly an individual case, holds significant symbolic weight. It marks a potential turning point in Saudi naturalization policy, suggesting a more expansive approach that may benefit a wider range of applicants in the future. While the long-term implications remain to be seen, this decision undoubtedly opens new avenues for individuals seeking permanent residency and citizenship in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.