Ridding Saudi Arabia of its cheap labor with the aim of forcing companies to employ Saudis is logical to a point, but it involves many risks. While the labor minister stated a few months back that “84 percent of expatriate jobs are unsuitable for Saudis,” one must wonder if the entire campaign has been well thought out or does it represent the all too common “crisis management” approach to solving problems.
This change will be painful for everyone, including the labor minister, who will have to pay for these changes in the form of higher prices due to higher labor costs and the costs related to an unfinished or poorly done work. “The change will be painful as the government now attempts by force to undo a system that much of the small business enterprise community is based on. I believe the long-term impact will also make Saudi Arabia a less attractive destination for expatriates who work legally due to higher costs of living and it will impact all sectors.
I believe there is no easy solution but solutions are necessary and they will likely to be “painful.” It would be naive to clamp down on social media at this (or any other) time as this will probably add more fuel to the fire, and at a time when increasing numbers of people will want and expect an outlet for their frustrations. — Abooismail, By e-mail
Saudization drive
