With regard to the article “Saudization: Time to move on” (Dec. 6), there was a time when Saudi Arabia needed expats. Now the country still needs them but not in the same number as before. Saudis are studying and are willing to take jobs and they should be given jobs as the first priority. On the other hand, expats who have left their careers, their country, and their families back home should not be treated as if they were thieves, sneaking in and stealing everything. Maryam, Online response II. I support Saudization, even though I am an expat. However, for it to work, it is critical to promote the English language, strengthen the work ethic, and lower expectations among Saudi workers. It is difficult to dismiss poorly performing Saudi workers and this becomes a factor which reduces the motivation of all other workers, both Saudis and expats. Khan, Online response III. The idea of differentiating between expats and citizens will never ever solve the problem of unemployment in our country. Equality free from racist feelings should first be established in society. It is as simple as the saying: “Give respect, get respect.” Arabian Prince, Online response IV. I work in a department of 40 that is split 50 percent expat and 50 percent Saudi. Expats earn roughly double, but their average work rate and output is four times that of their Saudi counterparts so the company gets value for money. As for expats coming to the Kingdom for dream jobs, all of us expats have taken steps backward in the role we are performing and the job can be done by people who are junior to us. However, our Saudi colleagues who receive considerably more training and development fail to run with this opportunity. Joe Bloggs, Online response
