This is with reference to the article “Expats are not our enemy” (Nov. 30) by Rasheed Abou-Alsamh. Finally a Saudi writer came up with something in favor of the expatriates living in the Kingdom.
It is true that manner in which incidents and issues related to the expatriates are reported in the local press leaves an impression as if they are bad guys on the move to harm the country. Of course, it is not true. Media portrayal of any event or community plays an important role in creating lasting impressions on people. The media is actually not playing a very positive role in this regard. Saudization of the labor market is the right of the Saudi authorities but that does not mean that the media should start portraying expatriates as the usurpers of Saudis’ rights. Apart from the illegal expatriates, many of whom have been repatriated to their respective home countries or are on their way home, the expatriates are here on valid work visas issued by the competent authorities.
Due to the ongoing media campaign promoting Saudization and raising a bogey of expatriates, the foreigners have started to feel unsafe.
Saudis should realize that the Kingdom is not the only country on the planet, which hosts foreigners. Most of the developed countries have progressed with the help of foreign work force and they duly recognize their contributions by awarding them citizenship and other rights. We don’t want Saudi citizenship but at least we deserve the due respect in recognition of our services to the Kingdom. — Danish Ahmed, Jeddah
Media portrayal of expats
