The minister of labor has said that foreign work force would be reduced at the rate of 100,000 annually. My first impression reading that statement was that this could help eliminate unemployment among Saudis within a few years. Then I began recalling earlier statements by various officials saying that there are at present seven million foreign workers in the Kingdom employed in various professions and activities. I said to myself if that was the figure that has been accounted for according to official statistics, what then about the many unregistered foreigners scattered all over the country roaming its deserts, wadis and mountains and populating poor city neighborhoods, small towns and villages?
I began doing some calculation to arrive at the estimated time at which we may be able to replace the expatriate workers with Saudis. My calculation showed that based on the current rate of replacement, the second or third generations of our grandchildren could become witness to the departure of the last batch of foreign workers. That would take place by the year 1495H or 70 years from now.
A mood of despair engulfed me followed by sorrow and frustration. But then I said to myself where would all this lead us, and started to behave with some composure. I realized that I couldn’t arrive at all the results I aspire for during my lifetime, that it is not always possible to get all you want and that what is important is to make a start.
It would indeed be a good start if we managed to secure 100,000 jobs every year for Saudis. I will personally consider it a great achievement if 100,000 serious and dedicated Saudi youths are employed by the private sector each year. Those who prefer joyriding, chasing women, running after the latest craze in Western attire and decorating their rooms and cars with pictures of actors, singers and dancers are free to do what they do but should remember that the coddling and easy way of life would not build a nation.
