Most of the reports issued by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and formal local organizations in the Kingdom show a disturbing trend in the country. According to statistics released by those organizations, the youth of the Kingdom are faced with the ghosts of unemployment.
These figures should send alarm bells ringing in the relevant departments so as to effectively deal with the situation before it spins out of control.
Most of these reports say that the number of youth in the Kingdom has exceeded the four-millionth mark and the number is growing.
In fact I have pointed out this issue in previous articles and called for quick solutions. We know for sure the heavy burden of responsibilities borne by the government, but this is no excuse for not giving this problem the highest priority. Many specialists and those in charge of solving youth issues have spoken about these problems on several occasions and called for addressing them through short-and long-term strategic plans. But we haven’t seen tangible measures on the ground that indicate serious endeavor in addressing these problems and solving them.
It has apparently become fashionable to highlight the problem of unemployment. The changes that we are witnessing in our surroundings call for a proactive approach to address this issue on a war footing. Jobless youth can fall prey to unscrupulous elements who are taking full advantage of the modern means of communications, as is evident from numerous reports we read about naïve and gullible youngsters joining the ranks of certain organizations.
As I have said, problems of young people couldn’t be solved through meaningless advice and lectures. The most serious impact of continued unemployment will be the growing feelings of being marginalized among the youth. Therefore, we should study this issue seriously and come up with solutions in consultation with our youth.
What I think is that the government shouldn’t shift its mandate to mere employment institution, but it should rather make room for these young people to propose solutions. Calling for creation of youth representative councils in all regions may sound utopian but it is worth trying. Most of these young people have studied abroad and are familiar with experiences of foreign countries in solving problems through scientific methods. So, why not hold retreats in which representatives of youth and specialized agencies come together to work out a strategy to help solve problems facing these young people —unemployment, inability to get married and inadequate loans.
Undoubtedly, recent government measures in Saudization of jobs are important steps in the right direction, but it is not enough. Young people should not feel ashamed of any profession. Our ancestors didn’t find any profession shameful but they used to look down upon those who didn’t work when the opportunity was made available to him.
We all know that there are many businesses that hire foreign “experts” from different nationalities, pay them exorbitant salaries and appoint them at the highest positions in different departments while they recruit some Saudis for menial jobs only as a camouflage to hide their shortcomings and bias against the national manpower. It is true that these companies should take care of their interests, but who will take care of the country’s interests and the interests of the youth? The question is still open and we hope to hear an answer to it.
