It is heartening to note that some members of the Shoura Council realize the importance of expat workforce and the need for foreign workers in the Kingdom for years to come. The report “Expat workers ‘needed in KSA for many years’” (June 28) has come as a whiff of fresh air amid the deluge of reports creating unwarranted fears among the expatriates. Some times, I feel that the media also blow certain reports out of proportion and cause panic among expats.
The statements issued by two Shoura members are based on logic. I don’t see any wisdom in getting rid of the expat workforce at a time when the Kingdom is gearing for hundreds of uplift projects. Saudi Arabia is a huge country and instead of following smaller Gulf states, the Kingdom should study the system of countries like the United States and Canada.
These great countries have achieved tremendous success by effectively utilizing expat workforce at all levels by offering them incentives. The Saudi authorities should also ease laws for expats, which will consequently benefit the country. The expats then could work without any fear and their productivity will increase. Saudization process should also continue but in a logical and systematic manner. — Rahat Ali, Dammam
Incentives for expats
