Many expatriates here are applying for permanent residency and citizenship in Western countries, including those who cannot rectify their status by the amnesty deadline of Nov. 3.
The destinations favored by expatriates are Canada, the US, Britain, Australia and European countries.
Every October, expatriates in the Kingdom participate in the immigration lottery organized by the United States. The participants hope to be one of the lucky 50,000 winners to live, work or study in the United States.
In spite of the economic crisis in the US, relocating to that country is a dream for many residents in the Kingdom because they believe they can make a good life there for their families. Every May, expatriate participants wait eagerly for the results of the lottery.
In keeping with its humanitarian traditions and international obligations, Canada protects thousands of refugees and people who fear persecution in their home countries. This has resulted in some Syrians in the Kingdom preferring to leave for Canada instead of returning to their war-ravaged country.
Ali Abdullah, a Syrian resident who is looking for a job in the Kingdom and needs to transfer his sponsorship, told Arab News: "I have relatives living in Canada and I am trying to go there. I have had problems finding a job in the Kingdom.
When I did find a job, the employer did not want to transfer my sponsorship. So immigration is a proper solution to my situation."
Ahmed Mahmoud, a Sudanese resident, told Arab News: “I have spent 30 years in the Kingdom working in the construction sector as a civil engineer. However, I fear being made redundant by my employer. I don’t know if I will be able to find another job in the Kingdom because I am 56 years old. I plan to leave for the US or Canada. I did participate in the lottery program but did not get a place.”
Samer Abdullah, a Yemeni resident living in Jeddah, told Arab News: “I have tried to find a job with firms located in the Green Zone of the Nitaqat Program.
I am now working for a small firm located in the Red Zone. I know I will be in trouble when the amnesty period ends. I therefore have to prepare myself to leave for a Western country that can provide me with a better situation as a permanent resident, instead of returning to my home, which is in a bad economic situation.”
Expats seek citizenship in the West
