In 2003, the Saudi Manpower Council mandated that the number of foreign workers and their families in Saudi Arabia should not exceed 20 percent of the total population by 2013. It is almost 2016 and expats still account for about third of Saudi Arabia's population, which is almost the same as they did in 2003 even after the enactment of a zero-tolerance policy to illegal workers and the deportation of tens of thousands of them since 2013. This shows that our economic development is still in need of the expertise and talents of expats and unless we decide to close our doors to foreign investment in an increasingly global economy, it does not seem that their number is going to decrease anytime soon. Appreciating expats' tremendous contributions to the Saudi economy and society was thoughtfully written by Mr. Hussein Shobokshi in his article "A big thank you!", which was published in this paper on Nov. 30. As a token of appreciation, he suggested that we should consider dedicating a museum to demonstrate the history and accomplishments of expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Shobokshi pointed out that the decades long experience of Saudis with expats has been one of the first examples of intercultural dialogue. Indeed, this could have been the case had there been a true dialogue and integration between Saudis and the expat community. However, many Saudis will not be able to truly appreciate expats or anybody else for that matter unless they first confront and challenge their biases and misconceptions of the "other" through knowledge and respectful personal interaction. According to the Expat Explorer survey, which is one of the largest independent global expat surveys appointed by HSBC, Saudi Arabia ranked 26th in expats' overall satisfaction which is sadly near the bottom of the countries ranked. Of the expats living in Saudi Arabia, only 33 percent enjoy the cultural aspect compared to a global average of 57 percent with the majority tending to socialize more with other expats in contrast to only 40 percent who integrate with Saudis. On the other hand, 73 percent of them associate Saudi Arabia with good financial gain, which is almost more than any other country surveyed. Although looking for a better financial gain is one of the top reasons why expats leave their countries in the first place, it is such a loss that after they live among us, they still do not get to know our culture and way of life because many of us do not allow them to do so. Dr. Baker Ibrahim, head of the Media and Information Department at King Saud University explained that interactions between Saudis and expats are limited because of our conservative cultural nature. Accordingly, those who are more likely to integrate successfully with expats and foreigners in general include the younger generations who have been exposed to global media and are tech savvy, those who attended private schools with diverse environments, and people living in coastal cities, especially in the Western region where they are used to foreigners because of the frequent presence of pilgrims from all over the world. To foster a positive attitude toward others and attempt to increase integration between citizens and residents in Saudi Arabia, our education system should increase students' knowledge, understanding, and respect of other cultures and religions. Furthermore, social interactions where Saudis and expats can integrate could be encouraged through social events arranged by social clubs and centers. We could benefit from the UAE's attempts at the integration of expats and Emiratis in which the "Watani" initiative arranges annual desert camps where expatriates and citizens can get together. In addition, the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding also arranges regular tours to city landmarks with a mix of tourists and residents in addition to hosting cultural breakfasts and lunches. If similar efforts were made in Saudi Arabia, expats could get to know more about the local culture and to appreciate Saudi heritage along with Saudis who would also benefit tremendously from interacting with people from different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. The biases and misconceptions of both Saudis and expats need to be confronted and challenged with willingness on both sides in order for this integration to occur. During a time when we are trying to correct many misunderstandings and misconceptions about Saudis and Islam to the world, this is a golden opportunity to increase our mutual understanding and respect for each other. In this way, respectful personal interaction would automatically pave the road for genuine appreciation to expats who are helping us build and develop our beloved country. — The writer can be reached at [email protected]
