The report stated that the monthly pay packet for men has dropped to less than SR1,000 in 2009, a fall of 27 percent. Pay for women decreased by 11 percent to SR1,657.

According to the statistics, the number of workers in the private sector is close to 6.9 million in 2009, an increase of about 10 percent. However, Saudis account for only a tenth of this number.

Numbers never lie. They do not twist the facts as some officials do. The figures reveal the truth for whoever wants it. The reason why Saudi youths prefer government jobs is not to seek the luxury of sitting in a big office as some critics say. This theory is nullified by the very fact that young Saudis in security companies are working directly under the sun.

Our youths are keen to be employed by the government because many private companies and establishments will suck their blood by paying them measly wages of SR1,000 or SR1,500, not enough to buy them food even if they were single. How can a young man build a future or have a family on this low pay?

The statistics make it clear that foreign manpower has increased. This increase proves the failure of the Saudization program, which is just ink on paper that seems to apply only to small establishments.

The giant companies owned by the “hamours” have no such thing as Saudization in their policies.

The owners of big companies usually look for cheap labor and some of them trade in the work visas granted to them to bring in foreigners and let them loose with no control over their movements.

We have had enough of sermons about Saudization. Please be kind on our youth who are being murdered by unemployment.

The solution is simple. It lies in making it obligatory for the big companies to train young Saudis, qualify and employ them. The solution also lies in pumping government money into investment projects that will benefit the country and provide job opportunities for the youth.

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