This week I have decided to dedicate this space to discuss some important issues raised in response to my last week’s column “Real goal of Saudization” (May 12).
One of the burning issues raised by several readers was that people born in Saudi Arabia never get Saudi nationality and are always considered foreigners. I am also one of those who would like to see this policy revisited and that too on an urgent basis. I vividly remember having classmates in school while I was in Saudi Arabia whom I thought were Saudi citizens because of their proficiency in the Arabic language. They loved the country and considered it their home but unfortunately most of them had to leave the Kingdom to pursue higher studies in their respective home countries because they could not get admissions to state universities and colleges.
I believe that a policy of granting Saudi nationality to those born in the Kingdom will be a just and fair step that will provide those people with a sense of security and dignity essential for any human being. Such a policy will also promote cultural diversity, which is unarguably enriching and helps in creating harmony in a society.
This policy will also play a great role in fighting racism, which is destructive to any society.
Another issue that came to the fore was profit-driven businesses, their greed and desire to have work done by spending just a few pennies. This issue has to be tackled through effective legislation. There are laws dealing with this important issue but effective implementation of the same is perhaps missing. This issue can only be resolved through tough action against business entities violating the laws regarding minimum wages. And I do agree that if Saudis are offered good wages with benefits they will be more than happy to take up jobs usually considered unattractive and for which cheap labor is imported from other countries.
Having said that I would like to clarify one thing that it is not to suggest that decent salaries should only be offered to Saudis. Standard minimum wages should be fixed without any discrimination.
Truth be told, when we use the term “cheap labor,” we refer to those people who desperately need jobs, as they have to run their kitchens. Due to their circumstances, they often accept whatever amount they are offered. Laws should be enacted to protect employees without any discrimination and nobody should be allowed to exploit them.
@HatoonKadi
