I am writing with regard to the report “KSA, India soon to finalize standard labor contract” (Jan. 2). Why is Saudi Arabia importing cheap labor when it is trying to implement the Saudization program? Unemployment in the Kingdom is more than 12 percent yet the government has gone to India for cheap workers. It is time for Saudis to work hard and make the standard of living higher. Imagine the US or Europe or Canada opening their countries to cheap workers from China or India. This does not make sense. XZaky, Online response II. It is not a question of cheap labor but of skilled labor. Even developed nations like the US and the countries of Europe require skilled labor especially from India. US President Obama has acknowledged the skills and standards of the Indian education system. The government of Saudi Arabia is wise to make this decision and it has taken the right step. Shariff, Online response III. It is not correct to say that countries like the US, Canada and those of Europe are not importing human resources. The only difference is that those who are given a chance to work there are treated like equals and their salaries are not fixed based on their country of origin. Muhammed Basheer, Online response IV. It is very easy to make an agreement but it is hard to implement it. Still it is good that both Saudi Arabia and India have agreed on certain terms and conditions which will help Indians who are working in the Kingdom. However, this will only happen if the terms of the agreement are fully implemented. Syed Ubaidullah, Online response
