I am writing with regard to the article “Saudi youth blame private sector for lack of trust in them” (Jan. 7). In any country, a fresh college graduate who is entering the job market for the first time has to start at the bottom and work his way up the corporate ladder. He has to prove his capabilities and skills to his employer before he becomes worthy of a promotion and a salary adjustment. Some young Saudis think that they are superior to everyone else just because they are Saudi and as such, they want a high salary, a nice job title and a corner office right away. It doesn't work that way. Joey, Online response II. It is a question of supply and demand. We need to see how we can improve the demand for young Saudis who are seeking employment. It is important to identify the areas or develop opportunities by increasing the size of the pie. Open new sectors such as tourism and film production, and privatize sports, conduct international events and this will create demand for young Saudis. Not everyone wants to work from 9 to 5 behind an office desk. The economy needs to expand and create new demands for young Saudis. Faisal, Online response III. This article really summarizes the labor market dilemma. Young people without skills have been brainwashed into having such false expectations! SR 3,000 is still more than such a job seeker would earn net in Europe and it is more than social security. Government should reduce its bloated public employment setup and instead fund the training of these young job seekers. Concerned Critic, Online response IV. Regarding the differences between the salaries of Saudis and expats, please don't forget the reasons why expats should have higher salaries. Expats have left their own countries to work in Saudi Arabia, they have left their families behind. And most important, expats have come to work for the economy of Saudi Arabia. I hope that everyone agrees that Saudi Arabia needs expat workers for the nation's economy. Saudis are in their own country. How can you justify comparing the salaries of Saudis and expats? Expat Pinoy, Online response V. I am happy to see that Saudi youth are beginning to realize how difficult it is to work in the private sector. Low salaries and long hours are the norm for all expatriates and others working there. Saudi youth want jobs to be given to them on a platter. Hisham Naeem, Online response
