With regard to the article "An expatriate sounds off" (Dec. 11), it is nothing but a distant dream or unfulfilled wish of expatriates that they could ever get the right of permanent residency or nationality in Saudi Arabia. They should not think about it or hope for it. They must realize that they are not living in a Western country. What is more important for expatriate workers is that their honor and dignity is maintained and that they are treated fairly and equally, as long as they are the legal residents of Saudi Arabia. Jalbani Baloch, Online response II. Give skilled long-term expats, who have lived in Saudi Arabia for more than 20 years, and their dependents (who were probably born there) the right to live in the Kingdom without the constant fear of deportation. If it is impossible to give them citizenship, then grant them permanent residency (iqama without kafeel). In return they will develop the economy, start their companies, employ Saudi youth and not remit their money abroad. We are not talking about giving mad people guns; we are talking about giving educated, skilled people the right to live. Saudi Born, Online response III. I am a living example of the story in this article. I left Saudi Arabia after spending 26 years there. I was born there, studied there, and worked in a company as an external auditor. I was Saudi by heart. I speak Arabic, loved Saudi football teams, and was every inch a Saudi. However, 26 years is one third of a person's life and Saudi Arabia could only see me as an expatriate, so I came to the UK, where I can buy property and settle in peace. I could have contributed to the Saudi economy, but Saudi Arabia never thought of me as a benefit, only as an expat (a burden). Hammad Nisar, Online response IV. I agree that the Saudi government has to look after its own citizens first. I am an expat born and raised in Saudi Arabia. I completed my schooling here and graduated in engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and I have always known that the day would eventually come when I had to leave. I can assure you that like me there are many expats ready to leave the country as and when they are asked to go. My only wish is that expats to be treated fairly by the locals. I thank Saudi Arabia for all that I have been given. It's time to move on folks. Trust me, there are greener pastures! Zubair, Online response
