Many expatriate workers and others who have been living in the Kingdom for years rejoiced over the announcement that they could submit applications to become Saudis.
A new law has been passed allowing those who have lived in the Kingdom for 10 years to apply for citizenship. The news was especially welcome to those who have worked and lived in the country for decades. Many of them were born here and know no other home except Saudi Arabia.
Unfortunately, many of the thousands who rushed to apply the moment the government offices opened their doors on Saturday seemed not to have been eligible. They were unaware of the conditions to be fulfilled in order for their applications to be considered.
Many were carried away by the mere feeling they might become Saudis after a long stay in the country, not realizing that being here for 10 years or more does not make them eligible for citizenship. The numbers crowding the offices were high and most were soon disappointed.
According to published reports, only 25 percent of the applicants in Riyadh were able to fulfill the conditions. In the Eastern Province 95 percent of the applicants found themselves out of the race for the same reasons.
In Baha, in southern Saudi Arabia, officials estimated that only 35 applicants of the 600 received could be considered. The only applicant from Hail, in the Northern Region, was ineligible.
The reports published so far indicate that a large number of those who dreamed of becoming citizens of the country where they worked and lived for decades — some for more than 40 years — could not even have their applications considered.
Accepting the application does not mean the applicant will automatically be granted citizenship since there are other stringent requirements, especially academic and practical qualifications.
I know of many who wished the conditions could be relaxed a little so they would be able to fulfill their dream of fully integrating into Saudi society.
There is, however, always a long distance to travel before a dream becomes reality: A flood of studies, proposals and a lengthy evaluation process on what the country stands to benefit from by granting nationality to an applicant. Things will require more time to address.
