I was taken aback by Abdulrahman Al-Zuhayyan’s views as expressed in his article “Say no to expats calling for citizenship” (Nov. 24). The writer’s views on expatriates are shocking. Although to some extent, I agree with him that usually expatriates do not mingle or interact or celebrate festivals hand in hand with the nationals, yet, I believe, it is not very uncommon as communities find more comfort in remaining within their circles. Even in the United States where millions of people hailing from different religious, ethnic and national backgrounds have been naturalized, they socialize within their own communities. If we take the example of India, which is probably one of the most diverse nations, people form groups within their own communities for a variety of purposes. However, when it comes to patriotism or a matter involving national interest, they stand firm and united. If knowledge of Arabic and Arabian culture were to be the criteria for granting citizenship, there are millions of expatriates who speak and write Arabic fluently and cannot be termed gibberish.
The countries, which allow or rather encourage foreigners, to immigrate have their own interests. They need human resources and capital to fully exploit the natural resources and to let their economies grow. Naturally, Saudi Arabia should adopt such a policy to the extent of meeting this requirement. If it is a fact, as the writer believes that the nationals are sufficient to build and maintain the economy and the expatriates are jeopardizing the interests of the nationals and not letting them do the work which they can easily do, the Kingdom should certainly not encourage naturalization of expatriates. At the same time, I do not think it is fair to blame the expatriates for usurping employment rights of the nationals as they are being recruited to perform works by the businesses mostly owned by Saudis.
As for allowing foreigners to invest in the Kingdom, unfortunately, the basis of free trade or free economy hinges on the “survival of the fittest” principle and most of the free economies not only allow entrepreneurs to set up their businesses but facilitate them by offering different sops to increase competition that not only protects the interests of the consumers but also enhances productivity. — Safi H. Jannaty, Dammam
Citizenship for expats
