The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, which manages the enhanced social security system, clarified the exceptional circumstances under which non-Saudi women are permitted to register as primary beneficiaries. This clarification comes as part of the Ministry's efforts to enhance transparency and ensure that support reaches those most in need, in line with the social protection goals underpinning the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
General context of the developed social security system
The upgraded social security system was launched as a replacement for the previous system, aiming to achieve stability and provide appropriate financial support to the most vulnerable families in the Kingdom. The new system not only provides financial assistance but also seeks to empower beneficiaries capable of working by offering training and rehabilitation programs and assisting them in securing suitable employment opportunities, thus transforming them from aid recipients into productive and financially independent individuals. The system relies on a thorough assessment of total family income, family size, and assets to ensure that support is directed fairly and effectively.
The specific circumstances and conditions for accepting a foreign woman
The ministry confirmed that the system primarily focuses on Saudi citizens, but one exception has been made where a foreign woman can be the main beneficiary of the pension: the widow or divorcee of a Saudi citizen who has Saudi children with him . To be eligible, she must meet a set of specific and interconnected conditions, which are:
- The woman must be a widow or divorced from a Saudi husband in a formal and documented manner.
- She must have children who hold Saudi citizenship from that husband.
- Her residency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must be permanent and valid.
- Her Saudi children must reside with her in the same dwelling permanently.
- To meet all other eligibility requirements specified by the system, relating to income, wealth and the absence of high financial returns.
The importance of the decision and its social impact
This exception carries significant humanitarian and social importance, providing a vital safety net for this category of women and their children. After the loss of a Saudi husband (whether through death or divorce), a foreign mother and her Saudi children may face considerable economic challenges. This decision ensures family stability and provides the necessary conditions for a dignified life for Saudi children, thus preserving the social fabric and reaffirming the state's responsibility towards all its citizens, regardless of their mother's nationality. This approach reflects the Kingdom's commitment to protecting children's rights and providing a healthy and safe environment for their upbringing, and represents a progressive step in modernizing social welfare systems to be more comprehensive and responsive to evolving social realities.
