Salim Ahmad Sehab
How many Saudis work in Gulf countries? Some statistics say there are over 200,000 Saudis working in other GCC states. In Kuwait alone, there are over 130,000 Saudis working in the security and education sectors. I commend those Saudis working abroad and commend the sisterly countries that have opened their doors to them. After all, Saudis are considered citizens of all Gulf countries and can work in any of them.
It is natural that there is harmony among Saudis, Qataris, Bahrainis, Emiratis and Kuwaitis. Moreover, these countries have signed mutual agreements with one another to strengthen business relations. I urge Saudis who have searched for a job in the Kingdom but have not been able to find one to travel to another Gulf country. They will find better salaries and job opportunities there. There is a big demand for Saudis in light of the increasing number of expatriate workers that have ventured into many fields and control numerous sectors.
Economically speaking, expatriate workers remit tens of billions of dollars to their home countries every year. Why are these large amounts of money not being remitted to our country? If a large number of Saudis worked in Gulf countries, they would remit their income to the Kingdom and benefit the national economy. We have a population problem: we are increasing in number. Moreover, oil prices have gone down and oil is the main source of our economy’s revenue.
Security jobs in Gulf countries should be filled by Saudis because these jobs require confidentiality. Gulf universities need Saudi professors as well. Some Saudi doctors and engineers do not want to work in remote places or small towns in the Kingdom. Those who have opportunities to travel to other Gulf countries should capitalize on them.
