Foreign mothers of Saudi nationals are likely to be considered for jobs at government departments also under a new plan awaiting approval from higher authorities.

The Labor Ministry and the Civil Service Ministry have made a proposal to this effect, said a senior official.

The move comes following a Cabinet decision that allows foreign mothers to acquire permanent residence in the Kingdom without sponsors, said the Labor Ministry official.

The Labor Ministry has received many applications from these mothers to work at government departments.

According to the Cabinet’s decision, foreign mothers would be allowed to work in the private sector while still considering their employment part of the Saudization (nationalization) process.

The Cabinet adopted this important decision upon the recommendation of Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal. The decision was aimed at encouraging non-Saudi wives of Saudi citizens to stay in the Kingdom with their children.

It said mothers would also receive educational and health services provided to Saudi natonals.

Citizens and expatriates applauded the reforms introduced by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and wondered whether the decision would be applied on foreign husbands of Saudi women and expatriates who have been living in the Kingdom for several years.

Mohammed Badahdah, assistant secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, said the decision should have been taken a long time ago.

“Foreign mothers of Saudi children should acquire permanent residency by default in order to bring peace of mind and stability to the family,” he told Arab News.

“It is the right of the mother to be with her children,” he added.