WUNRN
SAUDI ARABIA - FOREIGN MOTHERS OF
SAUDI CHILDREN GRANTED PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS
September
11, 2013 - Foreign mothers of Saudi children have been given permanent
residence status in the Kingdom. They will no longer need a sponsor to stay in
the country, with which they have formed a unique bond through their family.
The decision rights a long-standing injustice that has left the mothers of some
Saudi children dependent on the goodwill of others to stay in the country with
their families. The decision was taken to provide more certainty about the
status and rights of foreign mothers and their Saudi children.
They will now have the same benefits as Saudi nationals with regards to
housing, education and health services, among others. This will undoubtedly
encourage many mixed Saudi families to return home, where their skills may be
needed.
They have also been given the right to take up jobs in the private sector and
be counted as part of efforts to increase the number of Saudis working in the
sector. By encouraging and allowing these women to earn a living, their
independence will be further strengthened and they will have more opportunities
to improve their living standards and that of their families.
Saudi Arabia has been making steady progress in improving the lives of its
women. It recently enacted a ban on domestic abuse, which was also widely
welcomed. By continuing to clear the way for women to be a fully responsible
and productive part of the society, Saudi Arabia is ensuring the development of
the country and all of its people.