With the process of replacing foreign workers with Saudis achieving success in certain areas and proceeding slowly in others, the experiment has nevertheless shown that unlimited opportunities are available for Saudi youth, who will not hesitate to venture into every job now dominated by foreigners.
As shown in some areas — mainly the wholesale vegetable markets and gold shops — the process may prove difficult at the beginning but with determination, will and courage, the obstacles can be overcome. However, the big question that is: What happened to all those foreign workers whose jobs have been Saudized?
They must number in the thousands, but until now it is not clear that they have returned to their countries or simply melted into the crowds, looking for other jobs. Have their sponsors really followed up and ensured their former workers have been sent back home now that there is no longer a need for their services? Or have the workers simply joined the army of the unemployed who refuse to return home, hoping that luck will be with them and that they will find another job somewhere?
It is said these workers are roaming the streets, knocking on doors, from big companies to groceries. Some are looking for Saudi sponsors who may not necessarily provide them with work but who would allow them to work under their sponsorship in exchange for a fixed amount every month. The money to pay the Saudi sponsor can easily be secured, at least by borrowing from fellow expatriates. What is more important is to ensure a continuous stay in the Kingdom and dodge any attempt to send them back.
If we are to allow such people to stay in the country, we stand to lose a lot. What is the point of achieving success in one area and then spoiling it all? There is great fear that these expatriates may resort to illegal means — theft or worse — in order to make money. Their sponsors must be summoned by the authorities and asked to sign an undertaking to send their workers back within a fixed period. The authorities should help in facilitating travel arrangements. Again, the question is: Where is everybody?
