Professional expats demand dual Gulf residency

Riyadh, Mar 27: A group of professional expatriates has called for amending laws in the Gulf to allow foreigners to hold resident visas of two member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) simultaneously. This will facilitate business operations between the GCC states, the group argues.

Banker Saleh Alam said: “A large number of professional bankers or decision makers often need to visit two countries in the GCC during business tours. They are allowed a 15-day stay in Saudi Arabia and if they need to visit a second country in the region, usually the UAE, they have to apply for another 15-day visa for that country. If the law allows them to hold resident visas for two countries, they will be apared the hassle of going through visa procedures every now and then.”

It will also help the movement of the professionals and boost work efficiency, he added.

An expat doctor and resident in Saudi Arabia for over three decades, Dr. Mohammad Ahmad, ER consultant at King Abdulaziz University, said: “I have one daughter here and one living and studying in Bahrain. I have to make constant journeys back and forth between the two countries running two households. I understand the law that requires working expats to hold residency visas for only one country but there should be some exceptions.”

He said that the law of the land concerning work visas must be respected but allowing for common or multiple residency status for expats would not only benefit them but also the GCC economies making traveling, living and working in different GCC countries easier.

According to current GCC regulations, expatriates are not allowed to hold residency visas of two countries concurrently. Those who wish to obtain residency in another GCC state are required to cancel their current visa and apply for a new one.