The number of Saudis and other nationals in the GCC countries who want to establish residency in Uruguay has been on the uptrend, according to Ambassador Carlos A. Mora.
“The embassy has been receiving inquiries from the Kingdom and other GCC countries on the standard of living in Uruguay,” Mora told Arab News in an interview.
He said that at present, “there are only 40 Saudis — or thereabouts — who are residing in Uruguay, but the number is expected to increase over time despite the distance.”
In fact, the embassy also receives inquiries from other countries in the Middle East such as Syria, Yemen and Palestine.
Asked regarding the reasons, he said, “Uruguay is a peaceful country. It doesn’t have the turmoil that’s taking place in flash points in the Middle East.”
The Uruguayan envoy was referring to Israel, Yemen and Syria, where people have been suffering due to conflict, adding that many of those leaving Syria had been lost at sea as they sought refuge in other countries like Europe.
“Besides, Uruguay has much to offer. It’s a welcoming country with a population of only 3.5 million. Life is prosperous with a per capita income of $20,000,” he said.
Mora said that Uruguay also has what other countries offer in terms of infrastructure facilities such as tall and beautiful modern buildings that deck out its skyline.
“It also has modern and gleaming malls and infrastructure, tertiary hospitals with state-of-the art facilities, resorts that are ideal for relaxation and scenic and breathtaking tourist attractions,” he said.
Uruguay is also food-sufficient, he added, and capable of producing food for 40 million people.
“Hence, Uruguay can help ensure food security in the GCC countries,” he added. 
“Moreover, there’s no impediment regarding money repatriation. One can repatriate money, or capital, to and from Uruguay,” he said.
He added that Uruguay has a GDP of $60 billion.

Source: Arab News