Saudization has become so common a word it has almost lost its meaning. Anyone not knowing what to write about can easily come up with an article based on this word. I am sure that many who talk and write about Saudization do not even believe in it and may even be unaware of its dimensions and consequences.
I first came across the expression nearly three decades ago when there were more jobs than applicants and when the state was running after people, offering them incentives to convince them to take up jobs.
I remember the times when we used to roam the Kingdom looking for young Saudis, promising them excellent salaries, training and scholarships abroad. At that time Saudization did not mean only employing Saudis but rather helping to transfer technology by training and qualifying the youth.
We were not looking for Saudis to fill any job, especially junior jobs. For us Saudization meant nationalization of the work force, the top and middle managerial jobs. Those were the individuals who would lay down plans and monitor the implementation, leaving manual and unskilled jobs to non-Saudis. Technology is not transferred by unskilled workers in manual jobs but by holders of senior managerial positions.
Unfortunately, none of those objectives were realized as planned and envisioned. One reason may be that we have long neglected practical thinking. We are yet to develop a criterion for judging and evaluating the Saudi worker. Such concepts as discipline, loyalty, dedication and success have yet to become part of our culture and our understanding. A job is viewed as a means of generating a regular income, something that requires people to do the minimum by working a limited number of hours and then forgetting anything to do with the workplace.
By the way, what happened to the “replacement project” at Jubail and Yanbu where billions were spent in the hope of turning the Kingdom into a major industrial country?
Saudization will never succeed if it is forced upon people the way it is being done today, forcing businesses to accept job seekers sent to them. Saudization requires that people rethink how they view work and how they understand their rights and obligations. The real indicator of Saudization’s success is not forcing Saudis on employers but by preparing Saudis to be in great demand and thus sought-after in the job market.
