The recent decision by the Saudi Shoura Council to approve a new nationality law was welcomed by expatriates married to Saudi women and children of Saudis married to foreigners.

These groups are now hoping to get Saudi nationality under the new citizenship law. However, for a large number of expatriates from Arab and Muslim countries working here the prospect of getting Saudi nationality remains remote unless the applicants possess the type of skills the Kingdom needs.

The nationality law goes a long way in helping foreigners married to Saudis get Saudi citizenship while at the same time posing tough conditions for other members of the expatriate community to obtain the same privilege.

Speaking to Gulf News, many Saudi mothers and expatriate fathers expressed the hope of getting Saudi nationality soon following the adoption of the law.

Tarik Alhuseini who has a Saudi mother and a Palestinian father recalled that he had applied for Saudi nationality 15 years ago. Now he hopes to get his Saudi nationality soon.

A Ministry of Interior source told Gulf News that the council had discussed the nationality law with the ministry.

The source also noted that the law gave a Saudi woman married to a foreign national the right to keep her Saudi nationality or take up the nationality of her spouse. Children of such couples are also given the right to choose the nationality of their fathers or mothers.

The source said that to get Saudi nationality an expatriate is expected to meet certain minimum requirements which are in vogue in several countries such as he or she should be at least 18 years old. Applicants should also have a clean record.

Highlights of the new citizenship law
* The Shoura Council adopted the new law after making eight amendments in the 38-article citizenship law.

* The law gives a Saudi woman married to a foreign national the right to keep her Saudi nationality or take up the nationality of her spouse.

* Children of such couples are also given the right to choose the nationality of their fathers or mothers.

* The minister of the interior is empowered to give Saudi citizenship to a foreign woman married to a Saudi national or to the widow of a Saudi.

* The new law gives the Council of Ministers the power to withdraw nationality within 10 years after acquiring it. Conditions resulting in the loss of nationality include imprisonment for a period of more than one year for committing indecent acts.