Saudi Arabia: Implementing Regulations of Saudi Arabian Nationality Law

English

Source:

– Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, accessed: 01 Feb 2014

Abstract

In accordance with article 8, citizenship applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Interior Agency of Civil Affairs. These applications go through a process of initial review by a three-member Committee that investigates whether: 1) The applicant’s arrival to the Kingdom was legal and s/he has the ability to return to his/her home country 2) The applicant has resided legally in the Kingdom for a minimum of ten years continuously 3) The applicant has an occupation that is needed in the Kingdom.

The Committee uses a points-based system in its evaluation, which allows all foreign citizens to apply for Saudi citizenship. The system however favors those related to Saudi nationals as they can earn more points. If the applicant acquires 23 points as a minimum, the Naturalization Committee may review his/her application.

Art. 12 requires the applicant to submit a number of documents in support of his/ her application including a report regarding his/her religious belief, political activity and previous military service.

Art. 17 allows the wife of a foreigner who has acquired Saudi citizenship to acquire citizenship herself once she arrives in the Kingdom and submits an application after renouncing her current citizenship in the presence of a judge or a notary.

Art. 18 requires the children of a naturalized man who decide to keep their father’s original citizenship to declare this to the Civil Affairs Administration or the Saudi Authority Representatives abroad within one year of reaching the legal age and hand over all Saudi documents in their possession.

Art. 21 and 22 set out the rules related to granting citizenship to the wife and widow of a Saudi citizen respectively.