The news of the issuing of Green Cards to expatriates in Saudi Arabia is great, and it would bear a number of fruitful results for both the Kingdom and expatriates, particularly those who have been residing in the country for decades, and whose children were born here and have grown up here and are ready to join hands to serve their second home, Saudi Arabia. Expatriates, with the passage of time, have a strange status; they are not residents of their native countries nor are they citizens of their second home, Saudi Arabia, where they have spent decades and are a part of society. Their children are either in the final stages of their education or are already grown up to become a strong force which is keen to render services for the further development of the Kingdom while earning a livelihood here. Population is never a problem in any society. There is the example of China which has the world's largest population as well as one of the strongest economies. Only a few decades ago, China was a poor country, but with good policies and strong leadership, we have to admire its status today. Saudi Arabia too, has witnessed unprecedented development in every walk of life during the past few decades, not because of its natural resources, but because of the wise and sincere leadership and the policies adopted by the father of the Saudi nation the late King Abdulaziz and followed by his revered sons. Today, Saudi Arabia ranks among the most developed countries. It is a large country with innumerable opportunities. Riyadh was a tiny city for centuries, but during the past few decades, it has expanded beyond its boundaries, and there is an acute need of developing such cities in different parts of the Kingdom. At the same time, we can see that a number of countries on this planet are suffering due to weak leadership and weak policies even though they have good natural resources. Sincere leadership and the continuation of good policies are always the backbone of any country. Projects like the new Economic Cities and the Egypt Causeway will surely lead Saudi Arabia to new heights, and a strong force is needed for the implementation of such policies. The introduction of Green Cards would be a great step and it would not only provide satisfaction and protection to expatriates, but it would also encourage them to invest their savings in this sacred land, where the protection to investment is guaranteed. Such an investment would, on the one hand, safeguard the future of their children, and on the other hand, would strengthen the Saudi economy. A rough estimate tells us that one million riyals could be invested by one million well settled expatriates, which could provide a big boost to the Saudi economy. Such an investment and befitting policy would create jobs for Saudi youth too, and would surely result in a huge reduction in remittances, as we see that non-nationals settled in Europe, America, Australia, etc., invest their savings in those countries and have become a strong tool for the advancement of those economies. And those countries facilitate immigration focusing on attracting investment and the brain-drain of talented individuals, which during the past 15 years has slowed down due to the lack of protection. And Saudi Arabia is the safest place for investment, and such a protection of permanent residency through Green Cards or any other suitable policy, would provide satisfaction for both parties, and attract a lot of investment. However, Saudi Arabia is the center of Islam where the two holy Harams are located, and it is not a country of free society. Therefore, it demands a strict relevant policy. Entitlement for Green Cards may include having a good education and good character and the investment of savings. Consideration may also be given to families whose children are born here, so that they may not be separated and may become a strong part of this society. Abdulazeem Shahzad Shaikh, Advisor Arbitration & Reconciliation Department
