Maha Al-Shehri

Al-Hayat

 

THE phenomenon of violence against foreigners in our country is not limited to the exploitation and abuse of housemaids, drivers and other domestic servants. It goes a long way beyond this. A foreigner recently uploaded a video clip on YouTube showing a Passports Department official hitting foreign women with his belt. It was a very despicable scene that reflected the arrogance with which the official treated foreigners. He had exploited the weakness of these foreigners who left their homes and loved ones to earn a dignified living in our country.



Enslaving of workers is not a new phenomenon in the world. Europe was obliged to make laws to curb this phenomenon which resulted in the industrial revolution at the turn of the 19th century. Workers suffered degradation and abuse before the laws to protect them were codified. As a result of the fair treatment, labor parties popped up in many European countries which were able to guide their governments toward recognizing the rights of laborers to education, medical care and other vital services. A labor day — May 1 — was also launched to promote worldwide recognition of the rights of workers.



It is regrettable that many workers in our country are obliged to make concessions because they are treated unfairly. It is only financial need that made foreign workers in our country bow their heads in the face of oppression. It is also regrettable that the pictures of slavery that once were rampant in Europe are being shown in our country, which is always boasting of Islam and its values. We are considered the top Muslim country in the world which adheres to Islam and its ethics. Confronting the mistreatment of foreigners cannot be done through preaching and advice only. There should be laws to prevent such attitudes.



The feeling of superiority can be attributed to the fact that many people do not accept the presence of foreigners in our country. They despise foreigners, look down at them and mock their cultures and methods of living. YouTube is replete with clips showing various kinds of cruel violence against foreigners. If we blame the young and uneducated citizens for their degrading treatment toward foreigners, we should not hesitate to strongly condemn the Passports Department official who used his belt to hit foreign women. We should bring him to justice as he is representing a government department which is supposed to treat all people equally.

We need to consolidate the values of justice and mercy if we ever dare boast about Islam and its values. People should not only talk about Islam but should implement its noble values which prevent the enslaving of others.