Saudi Green Card: A Gateway to Premium Residency for 2,645 Healthcare Workers
Healthcare Professionals from 56 Countries Receive Premium Residency
In a significant move, Saudi Arabia’s health minister, Fahd Al-Jalajel, has announced that 2,645 healthcare workers from 56 countries have been granted premium residency, commonly referred to as the Saudi green card. This initiative is part of the kingdom’s efforts to retain and attract exceptional professionals in priority health specialties.
Boosting Healthcare Capabilities
The Saudi green card, which falls under the Special Talent Residency category, offers a range of benefits to healthcare workers. These include a visa-free stay in the country, renewable after five years, as well as the ability to sponsor parents, spouses, and children under the age of 25. Additionally, premium residency holders can own real estate in the Kingdom, move freely between jobs, conduct business, issue visit visas for relatives, and use airport immigration queues designated for Saudi and GCC citizens.
Premium Residency: A Game-Changer for Healthcare Professionals
Two premium residency holders, Ganesh Sivasankara and Dr. Mohammed Azfar, shared their experiences with Arab News. Sivasankara, a consultant anaesthesiologist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, highlighted the benefits of easy travel in and out of the country. “We find that the main benefit has been definitely the travel, in and out of the country, each time, whether we go on a business visit or visit back home to family, and that’s been a very, very important benefit to us,” he said.
A Better Quality of Life
Dr. Azfar, a consultant medical oncologist, enthusiastically praised Saudi Arabia’s offerings. Firstly, he highlighted the excellent facilities available in the kingdom. Additionally, he emphasized the abundant opportunities for education and personal growth. Moreover, Dr. Azfar compared his experiences in Pakistan, the UK, and Saudi Arabia. Notably, he found his time in the kingdom to be far more rewarding. Furthermore, he pointed out that Saudi Arabia provides Western-level facilities. Importantly, the Saudi Green Card program has made it easier for expatriates to settle long-term. Consequently, professionals like Dr. Azfar can fully utilize these resources. The Premium Residency scheme further enhances the appeal for skilled individuals. In conclusion, this permanent stay option allows foreigners to thrive in the kingdom.
Vision 2030
The premium residency scheme was officially introduced in 2019 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national transformation program aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens and residents. The Health Sector Transformation Program is one of the key initiatives under Vision 2030, focusing on enhancing the health sector and overall quality of life.
Saudi Arabia took a bold step by granting green cards to 2,645 healthcare workers. This move aligns with the kingdom’s vision to attract and retain top talent in the health sector. Furthermore, the Premium Residency program offers attractive benefits to healthcare professionals worldwide. As a result, Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly appealing destination for medical experts. The kingdom’s Vision 2030 continues to drive these positive changes. Consequently, the future of healthcare in Saudi Arabia looks more promising than ever before.
Source: Arab News