Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Council of Ministers approved the Special Privilege Iqama Law that provides qualified foreigners a number of residency benefits.

The weekly session of the Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday night, adopted the landmark decision after examining an earlier decision of the Shoura Council and reviewing the recommendation of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA).

Last Wednesday, the Shoura approved the draft Special Privilege Iqama (residency permit) Law that aimed at attracting affluent people with special treatment.

According to the law, the holder of such an Iqama will have family status, and can obtain visit visa for relatives, recruit domestic workers apart from owning properties, means of transport and such other advantages.

The law envisages that expatriates will have to make payment of a special fee determined by the Executive Regulations and that a center called the Center of Distinguished Iqama will be established for the purpose.

There will be two types of Iqamas — one for an unlimited period and the other for one-year validity that’s subject to renewal. The requirements for the new type of Iqama include a valid passport, enough financial resources, sound health report and certificate of no criminal record.

Minister of Media Turki Al-Shabanah said in a statement to Saudi Press Agency following the session that the Cabinet entrusted the Ministry of Justice to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of cooperation with the American Bar Association in the fields of justice.

The Council decided to authorize the Minister of Foreign Affairs or his deputy to sign a draft uniform agreement in the diplomatic and consular field of the GCC States.

Al-Shabanah said the Cabinet approved two memoranda of understanding between the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the fields of science and education as well as in the field of information.

The Cabinet also endorsed the organizational structure and organizational guide of the Ministry of Civil Service.