Is it permissible for an Egyptian resident in Saudi Arabia to follow scholars who are not Egyptian, such as Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, based on a previous fatwa that obliges a layman to follow the scholars of his own country?

Fiqh (jurisprudence) issues are of two types:

First: Local issues related to the circumstances of a country, such as rulings on parliamentary councils, the sighting of Ramadan, or women driving. In these matters, the inquirer should follow the scholars of their country, as they are more capable of understanding the local conditions. This is what has been established practice in some countries, such as following the Maliki madhhab in Morocco.

Second: Fiqh issues that are abstract, independent of time and place, such as the pillars of Islam, rulings on usury (riba), and modern technologies. In these matters, there is no harm for the follower to adopt the opinion of the most knowledgeable and trustworthy scholar from anywhere, and it is permissible for them to follow someone whose knowledge and piety they trust. An exception to this is anything that leads to discord or unrest, as Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: "The common person must follow the scholars of their country whom they trust," so that it does not lead to chaos and dispute.

In summary: For local issues, one should follow the scholars of the country in which the person resides, even if they are a stranger to it. As for abstract issues, one should follow the most knowledgeable and pious scholar, wherever they may be.