“Only 13 students applied for citizenship in the United States. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken firm steps against such actions such as stopping their scholarships. As a result most of the students gave up their attempt,” Cultural Attaché in the United States Muhammad Al-Isa said while participating at the International Book Fair in Riyadh on Friday.
Al-Isa said those who wanted US citizenship would have to find their own means of income, adding they would also be liable for a 40 percent income tax rate in the country, Al-Yaum daily reported yesterday.
“We don’t intend to invest in girls and boys who plan to remain in their host countries for the rest of their lives. The goal of our scholarship program is to enable our students to return home and serve their nation, families and their religion,” the official said.
Regarding the number of Saudi students committing violations in the US, the attaché said out of 62,000 students studying in the country, less than 100 have cases pending against them.
“Minor violations could occur anywhere in the world, even in our homes. In fact, Saudi students are the least involved in criminal incidents in the United States compared to students from other countries,” he said.
Describing the King Abdullah Foreign Scholarship as legendary, the attaché said: “Every successful scheme will have its critics.”
He noted with sadness that there were people who alleged 80 percent of Saudi students on scholarships were drinking liquor and girls were staying up late.
“On the other hand, our students abroad are shining models of good conduct adhering to religious values. We should strive not to be swayed by the fierce campaign against the scholarship program,” he said.
The diplomat also denied media reports that 5 percent of Saudi students were sending their children to institutions run by Christian churches because they could not afford the cost in other places.
He said most US universities were running affordable nurseries. He added the ministry was taking steps to pay an average monthly stipend of $500 for a child’s education.
