The privatization of the taxi business is not going to be an easy task. Owners of companies in this vital sector have already outlined some of the possible problems that would accompany such a move.

As proponents of the free market we should listen to all parties that might be affected by economic decisions and identify the nature of those decisions. We must have the courage and conviction to reconsider the decision, the mechanism for its implementation and timing as well as the justification for it.

We should also accept the fact that the nature of the current relationship between the foreign driver and the owner of the taxi company is simply one of leasing. The driver commits himself to pay the owner a fixed amount each day and the owner allows the driver to keep whatever he earns above that amount.

At the same time, the owner of the company has a commitment to a car dealer from whom he buys on installments. This relationship cannot be ignored; otherwise, the owners would go bankrupt and the car dealers would also be affected.

Even if we agree that the foreign worker finds himself in a difficult situation facing great pressure that forces him to accept whatever minimum wage is offered, he would still want to work here because his chances of making money are much greater than if he were outside the Kingdom. We must also accept the reality that our economy cannot operate in the absence of qualified workers who will work for less than a Saudi will.

This phenomenon has become a permanent part of our lives and it seems to be one which is not going to change. Let us be honest with ourselves and admit that the sudden full Saudization of this important sector given the present economics of the situation would have many adverse effects. The times during which the service is being provided will definitely be affected.

There will very likely be a time — whether in the afternoon from 2 to 5 or in the evening from 11 to 6 the next morning — when we would have to wait hours for a taxi. This is due to the daily routine that Saudi taxi drivers normally follow. It is also certain that Saudis will not accept the same salary as the foreign drivers — and this means the fare would be double what it is now.

We see only two possible solutions to this problem. First, the deadline for implementing the decision must be extended to more than a year. Second, a binding business relationship must be established that takes into consideration the interests of both business owners and Saudi drivers.