By Muhammad Saud

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — Bandar Suleiman Al-Ayed, CEO of the Premium Residency Center (PRC), said that the center has so far received thousands of applications for Premium Residency and the applicants belong to 27 nationalities from 50 countries around the world.

“The center will announce in the coming weeks about the start of the delivery of the iqama for the first batch of applicants who have completed the required terms and conditions,” he said in an interview with Okaz/Saudi Gazette.

The PRC had begun receiving applications for Premium Residency since June 23 through its electronic platform “Saprc” (saprc.gov.sa).

Al-Ayed said doctors, engineers, investors as well as those seeking stability are among the applicants. He emphasized that the holder of the Premium Residency is not entitled to obtain Saudi citizenship as it has been clearly spelled out in the regulations.

“Since the first day of the PRC announcement regarding receiving applications for the iqama through its electronic portal, the specialized team at the center has started receiving thousands of applications that have been subjected to meticulous verification and processing.

“We have received applications from around 50 countries representing 27 nationalities, some of whom are residents in the Kingdom along with their families while some others wish to come to the Kingdom, and their categories range between investors, doctors and engineers, and this also gives a great opportunity for those who seek stability and safe investment,” he said.

Al-Ayed emphasized that the Premium Residency gives its holders several advantages in terms of investment, job and mobility without the need for a sponsor in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the regulations. It also does not require a mandatory period of stay inside Kingdom for holders of the iqama.

“The Kingdom welcomes everyone and the process of applying for this iqama is available to anyone who meets the relevant criteria, whether it is for their siblings and friends residing in the Kingdom or for those who are willing to come and settle down in the Kingdom,” he said.

The Council of Ministers approved on May 14 this year the Premium Residency Law that provides qualified foreigners a number of residency benefits. This will provide an opportunity to all those who have ties with the Kingdom, irrespective of their nationality, to obtain a permanent or temporary residency that would provide them with many privileges as well as the chance to avail of several services for themselves and their families.

The Cabinet 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). Subsequently the Premium Residency Center was constituted as the sole competent body to regulate and manage everything related to the new iqama.

The Cabinet had instructed that the center would complete preparing the executive regulations of the law within 90 days, paving the way for issuance of the Premium Residency. The new law allows expatriates, who are holders of this residency, to enjoy several privileges hitherto allowed only to the citizens. These include owning real estate, renting out properties, educational and health services and other utilities specified in the executive regulations.