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There is a huge population of Indians in the Middle East, especially in the oil rich monarchies neighboring the Persian Gulf. Most moved to the Gulf after the oil boom to work as labourers and for clerical jobs. However, a significant minority are either employed in the highest echelons of major banks and corporations or have prospered greatly through conducting business in the region. Indians in the Gulf do not normally become citizens however. They retain their Indian passports since most of the countries in the Gulf do not provide citizenship or permanent residency. However, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia now allow limited forms of naturalization to persons who have stayed in the country for twenty years. One of the major reasons Indians still like to work in the Gulf is because of the tax-free income it provides and its proximity to India.
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