We all know that there is a close link between economic development and security. We should also be aware that there is an even stronger link between unemployment and crime. The strength of that link makes it especially urgent for us to consider the present state of the Saudi job market when seeking solutions to the growing problem of crime in the Kingdom. We have to realize that maintaining security in the presence of increasing numbers of unemployed male and female Saudis and also in the presence of large numbers of foreign workers from different cultural and economic backgrounds may prove to be a very difficult task indeed. Performing this task may prove to be very costly on the national level as well.
Given the inability of the Saudi work force to compete with foreigners, Saudi youth could find themselves being exposed to intellectual, social and moral risks. When falling into crime, they would offer as an excuse the adverse economic conditions and the failure of their society to help them find jobs and contribute to the country’s economic growth. There are also unemployed foreign workers in the country who find themselves unable to achieve their aims by legal means and who then turn to crime as an easy solution.
These problems demand that we find solutions if we are to realize our national objective of maintaining security through development. We must root out the causes of unemployment and enable the economy to function normally, free of the problems currently marring it. There must be a suitable environment for creating jobs and other legal channels for people to earn money. The time has come for us to start reviewing the chaotic recruitment policies that have resulted in a flood of unneeded workers in our market. It is this work force that denies many Saudis the chance of a job.
It is equally important to consider the reasons which have prevented the laws, legislation, recommendations and decrees designed to increase Saudi employment from being implemented. We should realize that maintaining security requires a serious and dedicated effort to streamline the labor market while freeing ourselves of any personal interests that may stand in the way of reform.
Arab News From the Local Press 26 February 2003
