Al-Bilad THE plight of the Saudi students studying at their own expenses is multiplying as each day passes and there seems to be no immediate solution in the offing. These students left the Kingdom for their countries of study under official promises by the former ministry of higher education (may its soul rest in peace) that they would later be included in the scholarship program of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. They completed all the required procedures, packed up and departed for the US and other countries in the East and the West in quest of higher studies in renowned universities. During his recent state visit to the US, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman ordered to include these students in the government scholarship program under which the university's tuition will be paid in addition to monthly salaries and other fringe benefits. For the King, all the students are equal. They are Saudi citizens with equal rights and duties whether studying under the scholarship program or at their own expenses. For many months now the private students are in a real dilemma. They have not been added to the scholarship program nor they have been politely told that they would not be included regardless of the King's orders. The method of keeping a blind eye on the issue will not automatically solve it. The style of belittling the perils of the problem before the leaders will not mitigate its magnitude. It will, instead, further complicate it. It is not a chivalrous or noble behavior to act as if there is no problem for the students studying at their own expenses. Please solve this riddle. Either tell the students that they have been added to the scholarship program or openly apologize to them by nicely informing them that there is no place for them in the program. Either tell the students proudly that "you have been included" or tell them with chagrin and regret "forgive us... there is no place for you". Please do not leave these students in the dark.
