Prominent Yemeni expatriates here have praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for allowing fellow nationals to correct their status.

There have reportedly been 1,743 Yemenis who were able to get proper documentation to live and work in the Kingdom.

Abdulwasei Saeed Al-Mikhlafi, who is based in Riyadh, said the king’s gesture is a huge relief for Yemeni expatriates and their families back home.

“Yemenis consider themselves part of Saudi society. The royal gesture provides several advantages, including allowing them to work without a sponsor. Even Saudi companies have been instructed to employ these Yemenis,” Al-Mikhlafi said.

He said this decision has proved false the Houthi claim that the Kingdom does not care for the Yemeni people, or is oblivious to their problems.

He said Yemenis are also happy that the process has started for the country’s inclusion as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This would help ensure peace and stability in Yemen, he said.

Another Yemeni community leader, Ali Shamsan, welcomed King Salman’s decision. “Now workers no longer have to avoid the passport department and fear patrolling officers.”

He also praised the king for setting up a relief center in Riyadh that would oversee aid for needy Yemenis back home.