Saudi Arabia to Legalize Residency for Yemeni Migrants
The Saudi Arabian Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday that it plans to legalize the residency status of Yemeni migrants, following a request from Yemen’s internationally recognized government, the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), which is supported by Saudi Arabia.
According to the Ministry, the initiative was presented by PLC leader Rashad al-Alimi and granted by King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The Ministry of Human Resources and the Data and Artificial Intelligence Ministry will also participate in this effort.
However, it’s important to note that this legalization process is restricted to Yemenis who hold valid passports. The General Directorate of Passports will be involved too and will officially announce the launch of the program once it commences. Considering that about 1.8 million Yemenis currently reside in Saudi Arabia, this initiative is expected to be quite comprehensive.
On Monday, Alimi also revealed the start of “Operation Yemen Dawn,” which aims to oust Iran-backed Houthi insurgents from major cities and the capital, Sanaa, which has been under Houthi control since 2014.
Previously, Saudi Arabia had initiated a similar program to legalize the status of Yemeni migrants during its intervention in the Yemeni civil war in 2015. That effort, unfortunately, did not alter the situation significantly, and an uneasy ceasefire was reached with the Houthis in 2022, albeit hostilities have flared up again recently.
Officials from the PLC have praised this new legalization initiative, calling it “generous” and extending their “deep thanks and appreciation” to the Saudi leadership for this compassionate act.
For Yemenis living in Saudi Arabia without formal status, the announcement has been welcomed warmly, as it provides both practical advantages and a sign of Riyadh’s commitment to their plight.
“Honestly, this is what many Yemenis have been hoping for. It’s truly a generous act from the king towards the people of Yemen,” said Yemeni businessman Mutaher Alazmi. “We are deeply grateful for the Kingdom’s support at all levels,” he added.
Similarly, Haider al-Sanea, a Yemeni who has lived in Riyadh for 35 years, expressed appreciation: “King Salman has long been supportive of the Yemeni people. This latest initiative is just a continuation of that ongoing support.”
Another Yemeni resident, Mohammed Abdulrahman from Jeddah, commented, “This directive shows that the Kingdom genuinely cares about its Yemeni brothers. I am thankful to everyone — the king, the royal family, and the Saudi people.”
In a recent development, the Saudi government unveiled a new grant of around $60 million to aid the PLC and stabilize its finances. Since 2012, Saudi Arabia has contributed over $12.6 billion to the Yemeni government through roughly 300 development projects and initiatives.
Moreover, the Yemeni government’s affiliated militia group, the “Homeland Shield Forces,” reported on Tuesday that they have initiated a large-scale operation as part of the “Dawn of Yemen” campaign to push the Houthis out of the al-Waziah district in the Taiz governorate, a region long contested since the civil conflict began. The Houthis have stated that a high-ranking commander from the government’s armored forces has been killed during this offensive.
Additionally, the Saudi coalition announced it had intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia. The League of Arab States condemned the Houthi attacks directed at Saudi civilian airports, calling the missile and drone strikes violations of Saudi sovereignty.
