Mohammad Al-Hattar Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Saudi Charitable Society for the Welfare of Saudi Families Abroad (Awaser) is intensifying efforts to facilitate the return of stranded wives and children of Saudi nationals to the Kingdom, according to the charity's chairman Tawfiq Al-Suwailem. He said the directive of the Saudi Council of Ministers to grant non-Saudi mothers of Saudi children permanent residency without the need of a sponsor will encourage many families to contact Awaser for assistance. He said Awaser provides financial, social and administrative support to more than 1,900 registered families consisting of more than 7,000 members. Awaser also coordinates with various government bodies to provide the necessary support to these families after their return home. Awaser has prepared a report on unauthorized marriages of Saudis to foreigners abroad and these reports are submitted to concerned government bodies for their action. He said all Awaser members, who include 120 businessmen, are unpaid volunteers who do not receive any salaries, as they consider their efforts as a charitable contribution to society. Since its establishment 11 years ago, Awaser has been receiving an annual grant from the Ministry of Social Affairs. These funds offer logistic support to the organization in reuniting family members, coordinating with concerned government bodies to obtain identification cards and finding work for them. Al-Suwailem said Awaser is in need of support by the media to educate the public of its role and goals and in communicating with Saudis' families abandoned abroad.
