With regard to the article “The right to live here” (Nov. 20) by Tariq Al-Maeena, I absolutely agree that those who were born in the Kingdom, or have lived here for a long period of time, should at least be granted permanent stay status without the need of a sponsor, if granting them citizenship is somehow problematic. I understand that many Western countries grant automatic citizenship to expatriates born in their countries. Now what do these countries know that we don't, what rules do they have that we don't, and what control do they have that we lack? T. Tawfiq, Online response II. The nations which have understood the value and utility of human skill and talent have exploited it in a win-win situation. Such nations have conquered the skies and space and are dictating the course of history. Absorbing and assimilating people from different cultures requires great vision, forbearance and understanding on the part of policy makers. In view of the political concerns, type of society and thinking patterns here, Saudi citizenship for expatriates is a distant dream. Murtaza Saheto, Online response III. It would be good if the Saudi government began thinking about providing permanent residency permits to people in the categories mentioned in the article. Many expatriates have spent the major part of their life in Saudi Arabia and are accustomed to its culture and lifestyle. Most of them do not have a base and good relationships when they go back to their homeland and for the rest of their years they live like expatriates in their own country. There would be many benefits to be realized from granting permanent residency to expatriates. It would increase the development of the nation as foreigners would contribute more to the Kingdom as they would be a part of this nation. Instead of making money in Saudi Arabia and sending it to their homeland for investment, they would spend the money in the Kingdom and make investments. More investment would give everyone better job opportunities. A good mixed culture would be created which would eliminate discrimination among people and result in good citizens and communities. Alexander Williams, Online response
