The Ministry of Interior's decision making it mandatory for expatriate engineers to pass an accreditation examination of the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) before renewal of their iqamas has evoked a mixed reaction from engineers here. The decision also introduces a number of other measures to verify qualifications and determine levels of expertise and experience. Ra'afat Mohammad, an Egyptian civil engineer at a construction company in Jeddah, said the decision would ensure that only qualified engineers work in Saudi Arabia. Omar Bushara, a Sudanese engineer, also welcomed the decision but said the ministry should provide more details on whether employees or employers should pay the new registration fees. “It will only be fair if the company pays the fees because expatriate engineers have other fees to pay such as for the renewal of their iqamas.” Salem Al-Asiri, a newly-graduated engineer, who is working in a private company, was happy about the decision. He said this decision will create more well-paid jobs for Saudi engineers. “There are only a few Saudi engineers, particularly in the government. This is because of the low salaries in this sector. Engineers also want to have clear career paths, like their counterparts in the public health sector. ” Saleh Al-Nazawi, a retired Saudi engineer, said the decision will improve the profession in the Kingdom. “This step would make engineers more aware of their duties and rights, and ensure the industry has qualified engineers.” Al-Nazawi said that 10 percent of expatriates applying for positions in the Kingdom have fake qualifications, according to statistics released recently by Adnan Al-Sahaf, Secretary General of the SCE. In addition, some people working as engineers have Bachelor of Arts degrees in agricultural science and commerce. “Can you imagine that? I hope the new regulations would clean up the engineering profession. By forcing non-Saudi engineers to join the council, the authorities would ensure control over the sector and improve the level of engineering services.” He said the SCE is working with local universities to produce more engineering graduates. Some are unsure about the new requirements for expatriate engineers. Abdul Ghani Merdad, a Saudi contractor, described the requirements as “difficult” because they may hinder the recruitment of qualified foreigners. He said non-Saudis make up 93 percent of the total number of engineers working in the Kingdom. Fayez Al-Obaid, who runs an engineering office, said the new requirements may make recruitment difficult but would also reduce the number of bogus engineers in the country. He urged the government to make sure the new criteria does not delay the renewal of iqamas. Michael Lambert, a French engineer working at a large construction company, said he was happy with the decision. However, Saudi Arabia should follow the example of neighboring Gulf countries where expatriate engineers are sent on regular training courses. In addition, registration costs should be borne by the employer. He said the SCE should also join international engineering bodies and commissions. “In this way registered engineers will be linked internationally with other related associations and can exchange experience and knowledge.” __
