GCC countries are modernising when it comes to visa regulations and citizenship issues. Many Bahrain expats have been unable to travel freely among GCC countries and in particular, to Saudi Arabia, where a visit was just a nightmare. It was easier to travel to Norway from Bahrain than to Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that it is a mere 30km away along the causeway!
Now things are changing. Last week the Saudi government issued a new visa law. Saudi Gazette in its September 11 issue, reported that the government has restructured and approved a visa system under which entry visas for Haj, Umrah and visit or transit visas are issued for a fee of 300 riyals (BD30) for single or multi entry visa, valid for one year. Transit visas are valid for 96 hours. The regulation governing expats’ visits to Saudi are still not clear, but likely to be better than the previous archaic system. We will see how this works out for expats living in Bahrain. However, it is a remarkable improvement and we should appreciate the Saudi government for taking such an extraordinary step.
Expats living in the GCC are granted entry visas to Bahrain upon arrival. Most Bahrain residents were denied such privileges. It was an issue of concern. That seems to have changed now for good.
It is known that Bahrain has occupied a special position among GCC countries for granting citizenship to its long-time residents. These expatriates have and continue to contribute to the development of the country and in appreciation of their service and lifelong commitment, citizenship is granted.
Oman has become the second country after Bahrain to consider granting citizenship to its long-time residents. According to the information released by the government last week, those expats who have been living in Oman for more than 20 years can apply for citizenship provided they fulfil the required criteria. This is good news and the remaining GCC members should follow suit.
In these modern times where free movement of an individual is considered a basic human right, countries need to open their gates to genuine travellers but ensure that they will not remain there creating social and cultural problems.
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