Ali Al-Shuraimi Al-Watan We Saudis react in two ways to the incidents that may happen around us. We either mock or joke about them, which is a civilized reaction that forces us to candidly confront ourselves, or we are angered and frustrated by them. A few days ago, a video clip went viral on social media showing a Saudi citizen in Buraidah beating a Bangladeshi man with a large wooden stick. The man was trying to protect himself and grab the stick to try and stop the Saudi beating him. The video angered many Saudis who called for justice: punishment for the Saudi and restoring the dignity of the worker who came to our country to make a decent living. I quickly remembered the reactions on social media to the murders committed by some housemaids over the past few years. We immediately started condemning not only those housemaids, but also their home countries, and people. We branded them as completely inhuman and criminal by their very nature. We forgot, meanwhile, to consider, even for a moment, our own role in these incidents. We have the right to question here: Who is in charge of ensuring justice for expatriate workers who are not able to communicate their complaints or regain their God-given rights? They are afraid that their complaining may, in the end, backfire on them. They are frightened of their sponsor's reprisal, that he might hand them their final exit visa. Who are the bodies in charge of protecting the rights of foreign workers and reminding them of their duties? In my opinion, the major problem lies in our treatment of expatriates in the absence of an independent human rights body that would preserve their rights. This body should be assigned to receive their complaints, restrain or monitor the behavior of some sponsors who do not respect the rights of expatriates, educate expatriates about their rights and duties, and help solve the many problems that may face them during their stay in the Kingdom. The other question is: Why do we see such shameful behavior by some Saudis toward expatriates? Sociological studies indicate that people of different faiths, outlooks, races, attire and language are often subject to humiliation and racial discrimination by the majority in a host country. These people often translate their hate of foreigners into physical violence against them. In response, foreigners may become vindictive and their desire for justice or revenge may find expression in criminal acts. This is best explained by a 2013-2014 report from the Justice Ministry that found there was an average of 54 crimes a day committed by expatriates. That is, one every 24 minutes. The crimes included murder, smuggling, drug abuse, money laundering, human trafficking, kidnapping, rape, sexual harassment, physical violence and theft. The report found drug abuse accounted for around 28 percent of the crimes committed by foreigners. The report should be an eye-opener. We should stop for a minute and review the whole issue, without reacting with anger. We want strict, well defined laws to regulate the relationship between sponsors and those under their sponsorship. They should both have all their rights protected and should respect each other. We want laws that respect the humanity of expatriate workers, respect their rights and show them where to go when they face injustice from their employers. Expatriate workers, both men and women, should know exactly where to go when their employers have physically or verbally abused them. It is regrettable that the Bangladeshi man was beaten in Buraidah on World Humanitarian Day. This is the day when we are supposed to remember what we have done to preserve human rights, dignity and honor.
