When Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi took over as minister of labor, I decided to monitor the statements he made outlining his ministry’s plan of action. The most ambitious of the objectives was the elimination of unemployment in a country that has managed to absorb some seven million foreign workers.
The minister made his intention clear by beginning with an overhaul of the system under which visas for foreign workers are issued. From now on, the minister is determined to drastically reduce the number.
Last year the number of visas issued was about 600,000. The minister said he would personally see to it that all visas pass through his office and bear his personal signature. This is an indication of the government’s determination to fight unemployment.
The problem may be contained within a few years if plans are properly enforced. While supporting the minister’s position, I think other aspects of the problem should be considered and alternate ideas pursued to make Saudization successful.
The ministry cannot do everything alone. Cooperation with other relevant government bodies is needed. First, there are working hours followed in the private sector in which shops and businesses have fixed hours. Some businesses remain open from 8 in the morning until 11 at night and even on weekends and official holidays with only short intervals for breaks. Who would tolerate working in such an atmosphere other than an expatriate who lives alone? No Saudi with a family and other social obligations would find these working hours acceptable. This calls for a fair and organized system that is agreed upon by both employer and employee.
There is also the widespread practice of commercial cover-ups in which many businesses are in reality owned and run by foreigners although they carry the names of Saudis; this is a clear violation of the law. The solution lies in either allowing foreigners to operate under the foreign investment regulation and pay the required fees or move to stop the practice completely. This would be possible through a joint effort involving the Ministry of Labor, relevant government bodies and local businessmen. The restrictions on work visas should be implemented without exception. Visas should only be processed and approved by the Ministry of Labor.
We should also see to it that the national employment program is vigorously pursued. Clear punishments should be defined and those found in violation of the program must be penalized. Again, no exceptions or reprieves should be given since it is because of loopholes that all serious efforts to address the problem of unemployment fail and will always be doomed to fail.
