RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet approved the “Privileged Iqama” residency scheme on Tuesday, which allows expatriates to live and work in the Kingdom without the need of a local sponsor (Kafeel) for the first time.
Plans for the scheme were discussed and rubber-stamped earlier this month by the Shoura Council.
The new Privileged Iqama system offers benefits to highly skilled expatriates and owners of capital funds.
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It is different from the existing iqama system, because residents would not require a Saudi sponsor or employe.
The new residency scheme — commonly referred to as the Saudi “green card” — was first mentioned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman nearly three years ago as part of the ambitious Vision 2030 plan to open up the kingdom and diversify its economy.
