Pakistani Tech Experts Among 685 Granted Saudi Arabia’s Distinctive Residency

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has granted distinctive residency to 685 technology specialists, including professionals from Pakistan, as part of its efforts to attract global talent in the tech sector. The announcement was made on the third day of the LEAP Tech Conference 2025 in Riyadh by the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), 5G technology specialists topped the list with 16 percent, followed by cloud computing experts at 15 percent. Big Data specialists made up 13 percent, while artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) professionals accounted for 12 percent. These fields have been prioritized due to their growing impact on sectors such as healthcare, education, and digital industries.

The program also welcomed professionals in financial technology (fintech), advanced computing, and smart technologies, highlighting the demand for expertise that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Besides Pakistan, recipients of the distinctive residency include researchers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Brazil, India, and Egypt.

The residency initiative offers multiple benefits, allowing visa holders to live in Saudi Arabia for up to five years, depending on their qualifications and income level. They can reside with their families, own real estate, start businesses, and collaborate with government agencies.

The program aims to attract specialists across various fields to enhance innovation and technological growth within Saudi Arabia. Skilled professionals in health and scientific competencies are eligible to apply for this long-term residency.