Riyadh: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji participated today in a symposium organized by the Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies on the occasion of World Refugee Day. In his remarks, Elkhereiji highlighted Saudi Arabia's longstanding commitment to supporting countries and peoples in need and providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by crises and disasters worldwide without discrimination. He affirmed that the Kingdom continues to uphold its humanitarian, political, and economic responsibilities based on the principles of moderation and responsibility.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Elkhereiji stated that the Kingdom's approach to asylum and refugee issues is rooted in supporting efforts to resolve conflicts and achieve lasting solutions that prevent humanitarian crises and displacement while improving conditions for refugees and forcibly displaced persons in their countries of origin, enabling their safe and dignified return.
The vice minister called on the international community to strengthen cooperation to promote stability, security, and peace in regions affected by conflict, helping create conditions conducive to their return. He added that the Kingdom supports efforts to ease the burden on countries hosting refugees and to promote refugees' self-reliance.
He mentioned that the Kingdom does not classify Yemeni, Syrian, and Rohingya nationals residing within its borders as refugees, but grants them visitor status on humanitarian grounds. Under this status, they are allowed freedom of movement and employment, have access to free healthcare services, and benefit from a range of facilities and exemptions.
The vice minister also highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Kingdom and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), noting that Saudi Arabia is a member of the agency's major donor group and among the world's leading providers of humanitarian and development assistance. He said the Kingdom's support for visitors residing in Saudi Arabia has exceeded $20 billion. In comparison, its contributions to refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide have surpassed $1.2 billion and $2 billion, respectively, including support delivered through programs implemented in partnership with the UNHCR.
Elkhereiji concluded by underscoring the importance of strengthening regional partnerships, developing sustainable solutions, anticipating future needs, and leveraging knowledge to formulate more comprehensive and effective policies for addressing refugee issues worldwide.