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Discuss this article (16 Comments)Should GCC countries grant citizenship to long-serving expat residents?
by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Thursday, 13 December 2007
Each week Arabian Business invites you to have your say on a popular issue.
READERS' COMMENTS
Disclaimer: The views expressed here by our readers are not necessarily shared by ArabianBusiness.com or its employees.
GCC Citizenship
Posted by Hombil, Muscat, Oman on Saturday 26 July 2008 at 15:58 UAE time
Oman has been granting citizenships to deserving families and individuals, who have contributed to the country's progress, for many many years. This is in addition to those who qualify on the basis of long stay in the country, because of marital status etc. These citizens continue to participate and contribute in the country's progress and in return, enjoy all the benefits. Needless to say, such citizens invest their livelihoods in Oman, rather than remitting to their erstwile home countries.
Other GCC authorities need to learn from Oman's experience!
Posted by Hombil, Muscat, Oman on Saturday 26 July 2008 at 15:58 UAE time
Oman has been granting citizenships to deserving families and individuals, who have contributed to the country's progress, for many many years. This is in addition to those who qualify on the basis of long stay in the country, because of marital status etc. These citizens continue to participate and contribute in the country's progress and in return, enjoy all the benefits. Needless to say, such citizens invest their livelihoods in Oman, rather than remitting to their erstwile home countries.
Other GCC authorities need to learn from Oman's experience!
another 25 yrs..
Posted by Raj, Dubai, UAE on Saturday 26 July 2008 at 10:40 UAE time
I don't think GCC countries shall give any kind of recognition to expatriates in next 25 yrs also. Just imagine a place where it takes more than 5 yrs (since i have been seeing it) to take a concrete decision on weekly 5 working days, what can be expected from such place.
Its better to realize and go out in search of new avenues. World is vast and opportunities are endless.
Posted by Raj, Dubai, UAE on Saturday 26 July 2008 at 10:40 UAE time
I don't think GCC countries shall give any kind of recognition to expatriates in next 25 yrs also. Just imagine a place where it takes more than 5 yrs (since i have been seeing it) to take a concrete decision on weekly 5 working days, what can be expected from such place.
Its better to realize and go out in search of new avenues. World is vast and opportunities are endless.
GCC citizenship--uae in particular
Posted by Mahdi Thajer, Sharjah, UAE on Friday 25 July 2008 at 17:41 UAE time
in my opinion, even if not for a smaller period of 5 to 10 years, at least for those who have been here for more than 20 or 25 years should be granted citizenship if they holds all required documents and proof of their long residence, as a nice gesture towards them. I give full due respect to all the efforts that the Governments of these countries show us, but we who live here since birth and for more than 3 decades, has naturally a right for nationality as well. I know some people, if they are related to any citizen of UAE by marriage or something, they are acquiring national status. But as far as I know, there is no clear set policy or procedure for it. So ultimately there is an imbalance in distribution of national status to the expats. I hope this situation will improve and the Government will open its eyes more wider as they have always done, and they will keep doing it.
Posted by Mahdi Thajer, Sharjah, UAE on Friday 25 July 2008 at 17:41 UAE time
in my opinion, even if not for a smaller period of 5 to 10 years, at least for those who have been here for more than 20 or 25 years should be granted citizenship if they holds all required documents and proof of their long residence, as a nice gesture towards them. I give full due respect to all the efforts that the Governments of these countries show us, but we who live here since birth and for more than 3 decades, has naturally a right for nationality as well. I know some people, if they are related to any citizen of UAE by marriage or something, they are acquiring national status. But as far as I know, there is no clear set policy or procedure for it. So ultimately there is an imbalance in distribution of national status to the expats. I hope this situation will improve and the Government will open its eyes more wider as they have always done, and they will keep doing it.
UAE Citizenship
Posted by Ketan, Sharjah, UAE on Thursday 20 December 2007 at 10:52 UAE time
I fairly believe that any person who has been living and working in UAE for more than 25 years and has the relevant documents and evidence to prove it should be given the citizenship.
Like many expats I too have been born and raised in this country and this is home for me, like it is for the others.
Posted by Ketan, Sharjah, UAE on Thursday 20 December 2007 at 10:52 UAE time
I fairly believe that any person who has been living and working in UAE for more than 25 years and has the relevant documents and evidence to prove it should be given the citizenship.
Like many expats I too have been born and raised in this country and this is home for me, like it is for the others.
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