Saudi Arabia to grant citizenship to ‘innovators’ from across the world

• The decree was issued by Saudi Arabia King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz.
• The decision aims to attract scientists, intellectuals and innovators from all over the world.

In a historic move, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has announced to grant citizenship to 'innovators' from all over the world.

The decree was issued by Saudi Arabia King, Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, to grant Saudi nationality to distinguished professionals of varying backgrounds including Islamic scholars as well as experts in nuclear and renewable energy, medicine, pharmacology, computer science, oil, artificial intelligence, robotics, ecology, astronautics, aviation, culture, sports and arts.

“ The decision aims to attract scientists, intellectuals and innovators from all over the world to be effective in building and developing the world," The Saudi Project tweeted.

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As per The National, a UAE daily, the current Saudi citizenship law allows the naturalisation of foreign citizens who have held permanent residency in the kingdom for at least five years. However, the requirement of a Saudi sponsor has restricted foreigners living in the country from gaining permanent residency.

Saudi Arabia's ambitious 'Vision 2030' had earlier introduced expat 'green cards' and premium residency visas.