Around 100 Indians have applied for Saudi citizenship since the open citizenship scheme was launched last October, a consulate official has said.

"It is too premature to provide an exact figure. How many will qualify remains to be seen. Those who apply need not come to us but submit their papers directly to the Saudi Ministry of Interior," H. Rehman, consul for press and information, Indian consulate in Jeddah, told Gulf News.

He said an estimated 1.3 million Indians living in the kingdom. The total expatriate population for both Asians and Arabs is nearly 8.8 million.

Expatriates of any nationality can apply for citizenship, provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria stipulated by the Saudi authorities.

This includes holding a degree in medicine, computer science or a related branch of science and technology.

Only expatriates who have lived in the country for ten or more years can apply. All applicants should be fluent in Arabic and well versed in the country's culture and traditions.

Applicants who are found providing false information will be jailed for two years and fined 30,000 Saudi Riyals (Dh29,379.)

"Should an Indian get citizenship he or she will have to surrender Indian passport. They can however apply for a People of Indian Origin (PIO) card," said Rehman.

A PIO card allows visa free entry to Indians living abroad and gives citizens all the rights enjoyed by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), including purchase of non-agricultural land. However, it does not give voting rights.

On the dual citizenship plan announced by the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during the third Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2005 in January, Rehman said: "The Prime Minister announced it as a general statement."

It was mentioned the India Government would extend dual citizenship to all overseas Indians who migrated post January 26, 1950, provided it is permitted under laws of their home nations.

"Details of it are yet to be worked out," said Rehman.

"I am aware of the new initiative taken by the Saudi Government. I have been living in Jeddah for the last ten years.

"I have not yet made my decision on whether I will apply for citizenship or not. I need more time to think. I fulfil all citizenship eligibility criteria," said an Indian doctor who has been practising here for the last ten years.

"It is a very big gesture by the government of Saudi Arabia. But it remains to be seen how many Indians will actually get citizenship. As far as I am concerned I am applying a wait-and-watch-approach," he added.