40 years to replace expats!
An official representative of the Saudi Technical & Vocational Training Corporation said recently that it will take Saudi Arabia 40 years to replace non-Saudi labor with Saudi nationals. His statement is based on the fact that 25,000 Saudis graduate every year from the authorized technical and vocational institutes in the Kingdom.
Therefore, if these institutes are required to provide a replacement of 8 million legal laborers, it would cost Saudi Arabia 40 years of waiting!
I see the statement of Fahad Al-Otaibi as another way of saying: This is impossible! Now, with the ongoing campaign and the daily news about discovering hundreds and thousands of illegal laborers, the challenge with the future is getting massive!
Today, I believe the Saudi Customs & Immigration officials should highlight priorities and needs. Should bakers, electricians, mechanics and other vivid crafts be considered an extra number?
Jeddah is already suffering shortage of bread in many areas. The port city is also facing shortage of water supply! I ask again: Is this what we really need? For the general good, this campaign is giving government official an opportunity to keep and appreciate those who are making our lives much easier, even if they stay among us illegally! The way I see things, I must say it is our duty to make their stay legal and welcoming!
The writer is Chairman, Saudi Cartoon & Animation Society
Twitter: @abdullahsayel
