Among us live hundreds of thousands of expatriates who over the years have come to love this country. Some were born and raised here. Others have spent decades giving all they can and serving this country and its people. Whole generations and entire families lived and continue to live here with many knowing nothing about their country of origin. Some have fully integrated into our society, speaking our dialect and adopting our customs and traditions.
Yet, those who have been here for 50 years or more continue to be treated just as those who have been here only two or three years. Both groups are treated equally in everything, including residence permit fees. There is no differentiation between someone who has been here for decades and someone who has been here one year. Those long-time inhabitants have no privileges whatsoever despite the length of time they have spent here and the service they have provided the country. Wherever they go these people and their children are faced with an endless negative list: No in public schools, no in colleges, no in hospitals and no when applying for a job.
Some who read this will ask why we should employ foreigners if Saudis are unemployed. There is truth in that but we are talking of people who are really no longer foreigners, who have spent decades among us and who are now part of our society.
They should not be treated in the same way as those who come for a limited time, save their money and return home. Why not give these people some kind of special status? Why not grant them some kind of “half” citizenship instead of forcing them to live under the iqama regulations? In time, their status could be changed and their children become full citizens as a reward for their service, love and loyalty to this country.
