Saudi Arabia has announced a new citizenship scheme for foreigners via a royal decree issued this week by the Saudi Arabian King and Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, Salman Bin Abdul Aziz.
The new scheme grants Saudi nationality to expats from all over the world if they fit the label of ‘innovators’. Distinguished professionals from fields such as medicine, technology, culture and sports are being sought by the Arab country as part of its Vision 2030 plan.
Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s ambitious 15-year plan announced in 2015 that seeks to diversify in order to liberate the kingdom from its reliance on oil.
It includes an efficiency campaign within the government, a bigger role for the non-oil private sector, and more aggressive management of the kingdom's foreign assets to increase returns.
The government hopes to generate more jobs and new opportunities, as well as naturalise holders of professional qualifications and experiences who will play a major role in making Vision 2030 a reality.