A number of expatriates who come to work in Saudi Arabia aim for permanent residency in the country and choose to spend their lives here with their families. When asked what keeps them away from home in a foreign country for more than a decade, most expatriates expressed emotional sentiments to the place. “We develop a feeling of home here.” “Most workers from Indonesia and Philippines choose to stay here even when their iqama expires because of the barakah in this country” said Abdul Farooq, a 34-year-old Filipino store manager living in North of Jeddah. “We have a huge community here, we feel safe, and we earn a lot more and save a lot more compared to living in the Philippines and Indonesia.” Many expatriate women living in the Kingdom told Saudi Gazette that Saudi Arabia is one of the safest places for women in the world. “Look at the recent rape case in India,” said Farah Jameel, a 27-year-old Indian designer. “A girl was gang raped on a moving train. That's how safe Delhi is. Why would I want to go back? I love my country but when it comes to ground reality, I am a much safer woman here albeit less independent. Safety comes first.” Many expat workers who have been in the Kingdom for over thirty years said the Holy cities are one of the primary reasons for them to live here. “Makkah and Madinah are so close, why would I leave the place with the holy cities of Islam?” said Haider Haneef, a 50-year-old British entrepreneur living in Jeddah. He said the close proximity and sacredness of the region is the reason he chose to move to Saudi Arabia after converting to Islam. “I moved here with my whole family. I do not want my kids to grow up in a foreign environment. I want them to learn more about their religion and have the luxury to enjoy this way of life in Saudi Arabia.” Hassan Hamid, a 46-year-old Lebanese businessman told Saudi Gazette, “It's no secret that most foreigners are here for a better pay, but it is also true we work harder here than we would anywhere else because we love it.” Hassan has lived in the Kingdom for over 23 years. “My sons and daughter were born in Saudi Arabia. They do not want to move back to Lebanon as they see Saudi as their home and are more attached to it than their homeland.” Sophie Yousef, a French teacher living in Jeddah said Saudi Arabia opened doors for her personal and professional life. Sophie married a Saudi national and moved to Jeddah. “I can save all my money here. I doubt I could have gotten a better job in Europe. Plus I get housing, transport allowance and a paid vacation living in Saudi. I love that. Especially because I know how hard it is for graduates to get good positions back home.” Saif Abdullah, a 26-year-old Indian manager, was born in Saudi Arabia. His family has been living in the Kingdom for the past 45 years. “If we did not love Saudi Arabia, a million of us would not be here. We got married here, raised our children here and even have grandchildren here. I believe Saudi Arabia gives us the best of culture, welfare and standard of living.” Abdul Ghani, a 49-year-old restaurant manager from Afghanistan living in the Kingdom told Saudi Gazette, his grandfather moved to the country 60 years ago. “All his sons and daughters were born in Saudi Arabia and we have no plans to leave. The first reason is that safety for families in this country is incomparable to any other. In fact here my children have access to better education, food and a lifestyle totally unknown to them back home.” He said his family is used to a certain lifestyle and way of living in the country and he does not plan to return anytime soon. Gazal Haris, a 28-year-old Irish student in Jeddah said she was born in Saudi Arabia and regards it as her home country. “When I go back, people feel different, they even speak different. I can never marry from my own community because to me they are foreigners. I love this country and its culture. Yet I am torn between two realities. One that I cannot fit back home and second I cannot get the Saudi nationality or permanent residency. It's heartbreaking.”
