Saudi Arabia to legalise status of Yemenis living in country without proper authority

King Salman has announced plans to legalise the residency status of Yemenis residing in Saudi Arabia without proper authority, following a request from the Yemen Presidential Council. This decision, which came a day after Yemen's President Rashad Al Alimi declared war on Houthi rebels, could have significant implications beyond the affected individuals' legal status.

Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 1.9 million Yemenis, accounting for about 62% of remittances sent to Yemen, making it the most crucial source of income for Yemenis living abroad. Legal status could provide irregular residents with greater access to formal employment and financial services, potentially facilitating easier money transfers to relatives in Yemen.

The Interior Ministry stated that the process would be carried out in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry, Human Resources Ministry, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. Yemenis seeking to benefit from this measure must possess a valid Yemeni passport. The ministry added that the initiation date and applicable rules would be announced through the official accounts of the General Directorate of Passports and other relevant authorities.

Yemen's Shura Council Chairman, Ahmed Obaid bin Dagher, welcomed the decision, praising King Salman for his generous directives and expressing gratitude for the kingdom's fraternal and humanitarian support. The move reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by Yemenis and supporting them. The announcement also comes as Saudi authorities conduct nationwide enforcement campaigns targeting residency, labour, and border-security violations.

Between September 24 and 30, 11,819 such violations were recorded, including 5,793 residency violations.