Article 21 of the Saudi Arabian Nationality Law

This article concerns the naturalized person with Saudi nationality, that is, one who acquired it by naturalization, not the Saudi by origin. It allows withdrawing nationality from him on the following conditions:

• The competent authority: The Council of Ministers, by its decision, on the proposal of the Minister of Interior.
• The period: Within the ten years following his naturalization.
• The cases: One of two cases:
  1. If he is sentenced to a Sharia hadd penalty, or to imprisonment for more than a year, for committing an act that affects honesty or honor.
  2. If a court judgment is issued against him establishing that he committed, or took part in, any act that disturbs security in the Kingdom, or that makes him undesirable in the country.

The text uses the word "may", so withdrawal is a discretionary power and not an automatic effect of the judgment. In both cases a judgment issued against the naturalized person is required.

This article differs from Article 22, which allows withdrawal of nationality at any time, by order of the Prime Minister, if it is established that the naturalized person obtained it through false statements, fraud, error or forgery. Article 23 shows that withdrawal results in nationality ceasing for its holder and for those who acquired it with him by dependency, with the possibility of granting it to one who acquired it by dependency if his good character is established and there is no obstacle.

This wording was issued by Royal Decree No. (M/54) dated 29/10/1425 AH. Anyone facing a situation of this kind is advised to consult a lawyer specializing in nationality and administrative cases.