The amnesty period is over and it is the moment of truth not only for the expatriates who have not been able to rectify their status but also for the officials involved in regulating the market and above all for the Saudi economy.
It is not a secret that the decision to regulate the Saudi labor market has been challenged in each and every phase of its execution. Challenged by those profiting from the chaotic market with its low prices, low-quality personnel, and challenged by those fearing the chaotic aftermath of rectifying a situation so bad that it needed a precise surgical intervention.
We have to admit that it was due to an absence of will that made the Saudi market suffer so long. Laws were in place and relevant departments were functioning but the system had gaping holes that were exploited by almost everyone.
However this time, the government armed with will, insistence, and a new wave of ideas and solutions is resolved to check the situation. It wants to create a whole new working culture in the market to the point that some of its newly introduced ideas were received as a threat to the social norms of the country. On one hand there are women who should be provided with more opportunities so as to become part of the country’s evolving and growing economy. On the other hand, there are jobs that need to be marketed as decent and profitable after being labeled and rejected as menial for so long.
The Kingdom will reap the fruit of the ongoing campaign in the long run with lower unemployment rate, more savings that will be re-injected into the economy, supposedly higher levels of quality and customer services, and not to forget better working conditions for both locals and expatriates.
One should not ignore the positive impact of this campaign on the overall national security. Moreover, this campaign will help check black markets and illegal trading (that does not mean that locals are not part of such activities).
And since we are still taking our first steps in the long journey ahead, there are two points that I wish to highlight.
First, I do not believe that this campaign has any discriminatory overtones. It is unfortunate that there are a lot of expatriates and Saudis who feel that way. On the contrary, most of the Saudis are grateful to those who have worked for the Kingdom and to those who are still working and adding value to their workplaces. It would be unfair on our parts not to recognize and appreciate the role of the expatriates in the development of the Kingdom.
Second, I do not think that this campaign implies, in any way, that it is an inherited right of Saudis to replace expatriates just because of their nationalities. A healthy job market does not function this way. The suitability for a job should only be judged based on qualifications and the ability of being productive. It is a competition, and if you want to be part of it and compete, you better uplift your game. This particular point is the real challenge. It is high time we build talents, encourage youths to step out of their comfort zones and simplify the way for them to pursue dreams that fit their abilities and qualifications.
The road is long and we still have a lot to learn, to modify, and to build.
@smaldosari
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