Saudi journalist Khaled Almaeena reasons why expat workers should be treated with dignity and respect.
Published: Fri 29 Apr 2016, 10:29 AM
Updated: Sat 30 Apr 2016, 1:59 AM
Many did not take kindly to a brutal statement made by Saad Al Dosari, a journalist in Saudi when he called expatriate workers a 'virus'.
In his article posted in the Saudi Gazette, titled A dangerous virus called 'expatriate worker', he said expats controlled most of the retails markets. He went on to cite, "most expatriate workers in the sector are illegal or undocumented workers."
His Opinion piece also questioned the Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia as to why it had not succeeded in eliminating this menace. Al Dosarialso said that expatriate workers take away job opportunities from Saudi men and women and that it negatively affects the country's economy.
Stop insulting expat workers!
To this sentiment another Saudi journalist, Khaled Almaeena retorted in his article titled Stop insulting expat workers! He said, "It may be that these journalists are suffering writer's block or that they can think of nothing else to write about."
In observing our Arabic press, I have noticed that from time to time negative and racist comments have been made by some writers against expatriates. It may be that these journalists are suffering writer's block or that they can think of nothing else to write about. However, it should be made clear to them that the use of a term like "virus" is a racist comment.
Perhaps the attitude of these Saudi writers is: "Expatriates are an easy target so why not have a go at them?"
On the problem of locals working, Almaeena questions Al Dosari on why can't the retail sector retain any Saudi workers?"
Well, I will tell Mr Al Dosari that there is a shop and many others that I know of which closed because the Saudi employees did not turn up for work. At a well-known supermarket in Jeddah, six of eight checkout counter clerks were missing on a recent Friday morning. Probably gone fishing!
Taking away jobs from Saudi women? Almaeena says spotting a woman working at a counter itself raises a red flag.
The mere thought of women working in retail makes the self-appointed guardians of our morals scream and shout. To them the sight of a woman at the sales counter is like waving a red flag in front of a bull.
Why target workers who are helping the nation build nuclear facilities, railroad systems and enormous airports?
The expatriate worker did not land in this country by parachute. He came with a visa which was issued to him by our government. If there is no need for him, then don't ask him to come.
But please do not insult expatriate workers and hurt their dignity. They have come to help and assist us.
Almaeena goes on to thank the expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia. He states that economic growth can be achieved through job creation and not replacement.
And once again to the expatriate workers in this country, Arabs and non-Arabs, Muslims and non-Muslims, we right-minded Saudis say a big Thank You! May God allow you to realize your dreams.
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