Hashim Abdo Hashim Okaz The three-month grace period granted by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to foreign workers who are violating the system of labor and residency in the Kingdom to rectify their status is not long enough. Already a week has gone. Therefore it is imperative on the ministries of labor and interior, which are entrusted to implement the royal order, to immediately issue the modalities for the execution of the decision before the second week of the grace period is over. This will enable companies, establishments and individuals to correct the status of their foreign employees. It will also provide them with the opportunity to obtain the foreign manpower they may need, legalize their stay in the Kingdom and implement the royal decision, which is aimed at ensuring a comprehensive solution to the problem. This is one side of the story. The other side is what Abdul Rahman Al-Zamil, chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has said. He suggested that a fine of SR100,000 per head be imposed on any party employing illegal foreign workers according to the labor system currently being debated by the Shoura Council. There are also provisions for punishing sponsors who allow their sponsored foreigners to work for others. This suggestion coming from a man who is deeply involved in the labor market has special significance. It also confirms the need to expedite the implementation of the system. If the decision is not duly implemented, an extension of the grace period will become inevitable. This will mean freezing the issue and forgetting all about it regardless of its security, social and economic implications. In short, time is crucial. Dealing with the issue with our usual calmness and ease is not in the interest of the general public. The key element is not deporting the workers who violate the law but practical solutions to the problem from all its aspects. The need of Saudi families for trustworthy and less costly housemaids should be considered. The families are now being exploited by some sponsors who do not shy away from blackmailing them.
