The government's Saudization plan must be given every chance to succeed by all role players – including government agencies, the private sector, citizens and expatriates. It may seem a little odd, on the face of it, to ask expatriates to cooperate because if the plan succeeds many may be out of a job. But if it works as outlined by the labor ministry, it will also allow for greater competition for certain positions resulting in a possible rise in salaries and easier movement to other companies for expats. This plan indicates the government is introducing further flexibility into the labor market, with the easing of certain rules around sponsorship. As we have said many times before, the kafala system is out of step with international labor agreements and the views of this country's own National Human Rights Commission. It is also breeding a lucrative black market in visas that is tantamount to human trafficking. For citizens the benefits are obvious: They will be accorded priority when appointments are made. This is as it should be. Affirmative Action has been applied in many countries, including the United States, Malaysia and South Africa, to name a few, with varying degrees of success. On the contrary, to do nothing to employ the citizens of one's own country is criminal. Providing incentives for certain companies fulfilling Saudization quotas is helpful. This provides clear goals which companies have to abide by if they want to continue to employ skilled foreigners. With all plans, however, the devil is in the detail and the application. Here the cooperation of citizens will be crucial and there must be some understanding that not every Saudi will given a highly-paid senior managerial or executive position. Citizens of both genders must also understand there is nothing wrong, and no shame, in being a plumber, electrician, carpenter, waiter or domestic worker. Another critical question is the employment of the country's women, increasingly educated and demanding the very basic rights they have been accorded under Islam. One Saudi economist said last week that the plan will fail because Saudis are not prepared to do this type of work. This need not be the case and citizens must prove him wrong. Whatever the positives and negatives, the plan deserves a chance. This country needs it. __
