JEDDAH, 5 April 2004 — With so few jobs available even for graduates, those with a high school diploma or less often struggle to make ends meet.
Outside government offices, sitting in the heat of the day only sheltered by an awning from the burning rays of the desert sun, men of all ages eke out a living helping people with their paperwork. Some are in their 50s, some as young as 20; all are armed with a typewriter, some green government files and an encyclopedic knowledge of the myriad of official forms the government requires people to fill.
Muhammad Al-Shehry is 40 years old. “I have been working in this profession for more than 15 years,” he said. “I earn between SR1,500 and SR2,000 a month filling forms and selling stationery.
“It’s a hard job because we work outside in the heat, but it supports my family,” he added.
Working hours are from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m., from Saturday to Wednesday. “Not only do we provide help for people, but we also give them free consultation. Many people come to us for help because they do not know what type of document they need to supply with their applications. We also direct them to the right office,” he said.
Ali Abdul Rahman, 35, does the job part-time. “I also work as a taxi driver in the evening. To be honest with you, one job is not enough to support a family these days,” he said. “I’m not qualified to work in a company because I only have a high school diploma.”
But he likes the job. “I get to meet people, listen to their problems and sometimes they become friends,” he said. “Usually we charge SR10 per paper.”
After Sami Al-Harbi finished high school, he decided he had enough of education. Now 25, he says: “It was a stupid decision because there aren’t that many jobs available for high school graduates.”
But instead of resigning himself to unemployment, he started working here. “At least it pays for my expenses and I don’t have to ask anyone for money. Some days are good for us and we earn up to SR200, but sometimes we make as little as SR30,” he said.
