Saudi kids born in foreign marriage to be treated as locals

RIYADH, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia has decided to treat children of Saudi mothers married to foreigners like Saudi citizens with regards to the residence in the kingdom, even after the death of their mothers, according to Al Watan newspaper on Wednesday.

Those whose mothers died before the issuance of the decree will be excluded until further notice, spokesman of the General Directorate of Passports Ahmed Al Luhidan told the newspaper.

Children of Saudi mothers and foreign fathers under the sponsorship of their mothers can renew their residence permits without duties, and they will be treated as locals in job opportunities and receive free health treatment at government hospitals.

Similar to many Arab countries only Saudi males could pass their nationality to their children, while children of Saudi mothers married to foreigners are not considered as locals in light of the nationality law.