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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.
USER COMMENTS (16 COMMENTS)
GCC Citizenship
Posted by Hombil, Muscat, Oman on 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Everyone should be given the chance
Posted by rachiel, Dubai on 18 December 2007 at 23:08 UAE time
I guess it is fair to say that most of the hard work of how this country has become what it is, is because of the expatriates. The high-rise buildings, the beautiful landscape, the parks... those were built by us.
I think it is but fair for people who have lived 5-10 years here in the UAE to be granted citizenship. We helped built the nation of what is today. Granting us citizenship would be like a 'thank you' for all the hard work we have done.
Being a resident does not mean giving us all the perks. There can be a defined policy on what and how this could be done.
A lot of people have adapted to living here and I think most of them would embrace the culture if they would be given the chance to stay.
Posted by rachiel, Dubai on 18 December 2007 at 23:08 UAE time
I guess it is fair to say that most of the hard work of how this country has become what it is, is because of the expatriates. The high-rise buildings, the beautiful landscape, the parks... those were built by us.
I think it is but fair for people who have lived 5-10 years here in the UAE to be granted citizenship. We helped built the nation of what is today. Granting us citizenship would be like a 'thank you' for all the hard work we have done.
Being a resident does not mean giving us all the perks. There can be a defined policy on what and how this could be done.
A lot of people have adapted to living here and I think most of them would embrace the culture if they would be given the chance to stay.
GCC citizenship: There should be a clear policy
Posted by Ahmad Robledo, manila, philippines on 16 December 2007 at 10:48 UAE time
The labour issue and its ensuing problems would be solved if the government allowed other nationalities to also become citizens. But there should be a clear policy.
Posted by Ahmad Robledo, manila, philippines on 16 December 2007 at 10:48 UAE time
The labour issue and its ensuing problems would be solved if the government allowed other nationalities to also become citizens. But there should be a clear policy.
SHOW ALL COMMENTS
UAE citizenship: It's not too late
Posted by N. A. Mirza, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 16 December 2007 at 09:58 UAE time
It is not too late. GCC countries should have thought about this before the economic boom in Asia. Meticulous planning could have helped to tap expats - in particular the professionals.
But before being serious over the issue let us consider a few questions. Firstly, why should citizenship be restricted to long serving expatriates only? Secondly, why should there be several uncompliable terms to grant citizenship?
Experience tells us that only a certain percentage of Muslims are keen for citizenship whereas expats of other faiths continue to move from one country to another. Man is more than a social animal and there is no dearth of meadows and pastures. However, its not too late.
Posted by N. A. Mirza, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 16 December 2007 at 09:58 UAE time
It is not too late. GCC countries should have thought about this before the economic boom in Asia. Meticulous planning could have helped to tap expats - in particular the professionals.
But before being serious over the issue let us consider a few questions. Firstly, why should citizenship be restricted to long serving expatriates only? Secondly, why should there be several uncompliable terms to grant citizenship?
Experience tells us that only a certain percentage of Muslims are keen for citizenship whereas expats of other faiths continue to move from one country to another. Man is more than a social animal and there is no dearth of meadows and pastures. However, its not too late.
UAE citizenship: Give them a homeland instead of refugee status
Posted by Gloria, Sharjah, UAE on 16 December 2007 at 09:20 UAE time
Many people are born here in the UAE because they have no other country to go to (like many Palestinians). These people should be granted at least a permanent visa if not citizenship. Where else can they go? Nowhere. At least give them the dignity of having a "homeland" instead of a permanent refugee status.
Posted by Gloria, Sharjah, UAE on 16 December 2007 at 09:20 UAE time
Many people are born here in the UAE because they have no other country to go to (like many Palestinians). These people should be granted at least a permanent visa if not citizenship. Where else can they go? Nowhere. At least give them the dignity of having a "homeland" instead of a permanent refugee status.
GCC citizenship: Think twice
Posted by RANIT SHARMA, Dubai, UAE on 15 December 2007 at 22:25 UAE time
If 99-year residency permits can be granted on freehold properties, then why can't citizenship be given?
Those who are investing in these properties should think twice and evaluate all of the practical aspects before taking such an important decision because over that period they will loose their roots and it will lead to an identity crisis.
Posted by RANIT SHARMA, Dubai, UAE on 15 December 2007 at 22:25 UAE time
If 99-year residency permits can be granted on freehold properties, then why can't citizenship be given?
Those who are investing in these properties should think twice and evaluate all of the practical aspects before taking such an important decision because over that period they will loose their roots and it will lead to an identity crisis.
The GCC should grant citizenship
Posted by A.Muntasir, Muscat, Oman on 14 December 2007 at 18:27 UAE time
In order to avoid further leakage from the soaring economy of the GCC and hence hinder the rate of growth, the GCC should grant citizenship to expats, especially those in senior positions.
Posted by A.Muntasir, Muscat, Oman on 14 December 2007 at 18:27 UAE time
In order to avoid further leakage from the soaring economy of the GCC and hence hinder the rate of growth, the GCC should grant citizenship to expats, especially those in senior positions.
Citizenship
Posted by Mohamed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 14 December 2007 at 18:20 UAE time
I remember in mid eightees, when several families from East Africa and Yemen who were UAE residents for more than twenty years, gave up hope of being granted UAE citizenship and decided to leave to Europe, USA and Canada to seek better future for themselves and their kids re-visited the UAE after an absence of 6-7 years, this time holding European or American citizenships, only to find their old friends and relatives still struggling with life without obtaning citizenship and bleak future ahead.
Posted by Mohamed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 14 December 2007 at 18:20 UAE time
I remember in mid eightees, when several families from East Africa and Yemen who were UAE residents for more than twenty years, gave up hope of being granted UAE citizenship and decided to leave to Europe, USA and Canada to seek better future for themselves and their kids re-visited the UAE after an absence of 6-7 years, this time holding European or American citizenships, only to find their old friends and relatives still struggling with life without obtaning citizenship and bleak future ahead.
If they will add value, why not?
Posted by abdulrahman alowais, riyadh,, saudi arabia on 14 December 2007 at 18:01 UAE time
I am a Saudi Citizen, and I support granting citizenship to expats with some conditions. some of these conditions are should be highly educated, should be planning to stay over here all his life time, also to hand over his original passport and other conditions depending on individual cases. I have some Palestinians, Egyptian, and Indian friends who have been born in Saudi more than 25 years ago and their fathers are in Saudi more than 30 years, they speak native Arabic, have good education and they are very good residents. It is really unfair to ask them to leave Saudi at any time of their life. I think at least, such these people should have a permanent living visa if they can't get citizenship.
Posted by abdulrahman alowais, riyadh,, saudi arabia on 14 December 2007 at 18:01 UAE time
I am a Saudi Citizen, and I support granting citizenship to expats with some conditions. some of these conditions are should be highly educated, should be planning to stay over here all his life time, also to hand over his original passport and other conditions depending on individual cases. I have some Palestinians, Egyptian, and Indian friends who have been born in Saudi more than 25 years ago and their fathers are in Saudi more than 30 years, they speak native Arabic, have good education and they are very good residents. It is really unfair to ask them to leave Saudi at any time of their life. I think at least, such these people should have a permanent living visa if they can't get citizenship.
citizenship
Posted by MZ, muscat, oman on 13 December 2007 at 22:22 UAE time
No, no way, and if so only muslims even considered.
Posted by MZ, muscat, oman on 13 December 2007 at 22:22 UAE time
No, no way, and if so only muslims even considered.
Should GCC countries grant citizenship to long-serving expat residents?
Posted by Sam Helmy, Dubai, UAE on 13 December 2007 at 17:16 UAE time
There should be definitely a system for certain individuals to acquire it. Maybe it is their right to refuse workers who are contractually here for work, but children who are born and raised here and investors who open businesses, settle down, and produce economical development and jobs should certainly be given access to citizenship. It's not required to have the grants that are given to the indigenous Arab population, but at least a passport and right to own a business in full and reside indefinitely without a sponsor. How can you ask children who were born here and grew up to be productive members of this society, simply to go back to their "home" country, which in many cases they wouldn't have one, if they simply lose a job after 30 years?!
Posted by Sam Helmy, Dubai, UAE on 13 December 2007 at 17:16 UAE time
There should be definitely a system for certain individuals to acquire it. Maybe it is their right to refuse workers who are contractually here for work, but children who are born and raised here and investors who open businesses, settle down, and produce economical development and jobs should certainly be given access to citizenship. It's not required to have the grants that are given to the indigenous Arab population, but at least a passport and right to own a business in full and reside indefinitely without a sponsor. How can you ask children who were born here and grew up to be productive members of this society, simply to go back to their "home" country, which in many cases they wouldn't have one, if they simply lose a job after 30 years?!
Granting citizenship to GCC residents
Posted by srinath, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 13 December 2007 at 16:51 UAE time
It is worthwhile for GCC countries to provide citizenship for expats like any other developed countries. It will help boost the economy of the country and the money earned can be invested here by them here itsely and reduce repatriation of the money earned. It will also help the country to grow in all walks of life, like, science, finance, economy, industries, sports etc
Posted by srinath, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 13 December 2007 at 16:51 UAE time
It is worthwhile for GCC countries to provide citizenship for expats like any other developed countries. It will help boost the economy of the country and the money earned can be invested here by them here itsely and reduce repatriation of the money earned. It will also help the country to grow in all walks of life, like, science, finance, economy, industries, sports etc
Should GCC countries grant citizenship to long-serving expat residents?
Posted by Ramachandran, Sharjah, UAE on 13 December 2007 at 16:36 UAE time
No. After spending so much years in the Gulf one should think of going back to their own country. Let the old people give way to the young generation to come. Sticking on to this place is actually denying opportunities to the youngsters.
Posted by Ramachandran, Sharjah, UAE on 13 December 2007 at 16:36 UAE time
No. After spending so much years in the Gulf one should think of going back to their own country. Let the old people give way to the young generation to come. Sticking on to this place is actually denying opportunities to the youngsters.
