The Shoura Council has expressed its concern over the increasing number of Saudis who move to neighboring countries on a temporary or permanent basis.

“Nearly 5 percent of the local population moves and this is a cause of concern for the country … This is a security and social problem,” Shoura member Sadaqa Fadel said at the consultative session during a discussion.

According to sources, there are approximately one million Saudis out of a total of 18 million who currently live in countries, such as Egypt, the United Kingdom, the US, the UAE, Lebanon and Morocco.

Fadel suggested that a comprehensive scientific study be made to find out the reasons for such massive movements and the consequent social, political and economic impact on their native land.

The member pointed out that their living conditions in those countries and their legitimate interests in relocation should be studied in the correct perspective.

“We have an obligations to these people and must look after their interests overseas since their roots are in the Kingdom,” he said. “We also must ensure that their presence abroad should not be a threat to any country’s security and peace.”

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