ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has announced citizenship to several professionals in line with its Vision 2030 target of attracting global talent, according to the kingdom’s official news agency.

A royal decree was issued on Thursday to grant citizenship to scientists, doctors, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and “distinguished talents with unique expertise and specialisations”.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, these “experts and exceptional global talents with unique competencies in religious, medical, scientific, cultural, sports, and technological fields, [are] contributing to the development of various sectors throughout the Kingdom”.

Earlier in 2021, Saudi Arabia had granted citizenship to including doctors and academics after introducing a formal naturalisation programme for foreigners with exceptional skills, according to Reuters.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2024