This is with reference to the article “Blaming Saudization for all woes” (Feb. 15) by Rasheed Abou-Alsamh. I don’t completely agree with the views expressed by the writer. He is partially correct in his approach. As per the intro at the bottom of his article, he is a Saudi journalist based in Brazil. And his article clearly shows that he is not aware of the entire picture.

The Kingdom has every right to devise policies that suit its interests and of its people but the manner in which the Labor Ministry took off with its Saudization project is questionable. A careful study of the entire picture shows that the ongoing project lacks a vision for the future. These policies appear to provide a quick-fix solution to some problems but in the long run it will create various problems for the country.

The authorities should not underestimate the potential of Saudi Arabia. It is not Dubai or Bahrain. If carefully planned and properly diversified, Saudi economy can sustain million more expatriates without hurting the interests of the local population. These policies are discouraging effective competition. The Saudi youths should be prepared to compete on the basis of their skills not on the basis of their nationality. This is a dangerous mindset and will not help the Kingdom in the long run.

Fahad Qureshi

Riyadh