The Ministry of Labor just finished signing an agreement with India, the Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. This has to do with house labor and its new regulations. In the next few weeks, similar agreements are to be signed with Nepal and Vietnam. During the next few months, more agreements should be sorted out with Djibouti, Comoros and Cambodia.
The Saudi families are divided into two at the moment. Some are pleased to hear the news and many others are not. The accidents, which had to do with many Ethiopian house workers, left many doubts about welcoming new nationalities. The Filipino, Indian, Sri Lankan and Indonesian labor is known and welcomed by Saudi houses. But when it comes to other new nationalities, society now is more conscious than ever.
I believe that long queues are expected at the four known and appreciated providers. This will of course limit the chances of other nationalities as the question of safety for Saudi families comes first. It is also important now to raise awareness on both sides, concerning culture, lifestyle and beliefs.
- The writer is Media Manager, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.
