Can an ExPat really make the Kingdom home? Since being here in the Kingdom I have come to know a large number of expats who have been in the Kingdom for 15 years or longer. Many of them have settled down here, met spouses here (other expats) and their children have been born here. But in spite of these factors and adapting to life in Saudi and truly making it a home, the fact remains that once their employment contract is finished whether by contract expiring or retirement or other factors, the expat must leave the Kingdom. It is only in the rarest of circumstances and with high level Wasta that one can remain in the Kingdom as an expat permanent resident.I was recently speaking to an American expat who has been here for almost 30 years. This expat even met his western expat wife here in the Kingdom. They have a lovely home on a western oriented compound (foreigners cannot own property in the Kingdom) and their whole married life and building of their relationship has been in the Kingdom. They like their life here. They know many other expats as well as having Saudi friends. It is now coming time for this couple to leave the Kingdom as after 30 years of loyal work, the expat is ready to retire. They are resigned to the facts of life in Saudi and while they would prefer to maintain ties in the Kingdom; keep a residence and life here, they are not trying to circumvent the system but instead making the plans for their departure. They have shared they have some trepidation as it will be quite an adjustment for them to return to the States which although the birthplace now seems more foreign than familar.Most countries in the world do allow immigration and naturalization of citizenship. To my knowledge, the only way this is routinely done in Saudi Arabia is through marriage to a Saudi national. Would it really be such a bad thing if regulations and laws were changed so under specific criteria some expats could be eligible for citizenship? Would this really harm the society?If you wish to comment on these thoughts but are not a myspace member, you may send your comments to me via email and I’d be happy to post them. Just be sure to put the subject matter in the title line. My email address is american_bedu(at symbol)yahoo(dot)com 8:19 AM - 2 Comments – 0 Kudos – Add Comment – Edit - Remove |
Filed under: Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs
