Saudization is a labor law which demands that priority be given to Saudis over expats when it comes to job opportunities, whether the Saudi job seekers are competent or not. Basically, qualifications and credentials do not matter much in hiring decisions; what does matter is whether you are Saudi or not. I believe that when it comes to job opportunities, what should actually matter is the passion, enthusiasm and willingness to work hard to prove yourself to be an independent individual. None of these attributes has anything to do with nationality. As a Saudi, I feel that Saudization is one of the most offensive laws I have ever seen, because Saudization is unjust for Saudis themselves.  

 

Saudis are like people from other countries, there are lots of hard working, can-do, mission-driven, and committed individuals who are willing to  move up the ranks to achieve what they aim for. It is very insulting if such people get hired just because they are Saudis. This means that Human Resource  personnel overlook  all the credentials and qualifications a Saudi candidate has, driving ambitious Saudis away by implying that there is no appreciation for their hard work and that the only appreciation is for their nationality.  If this is the way that success-oriented individuals are treated, I guarantee that the majority will be driven away by such a law. Appreciation must be given to hard working people to push them forward, which will be beneficial to them as individuals as well as to their country. There is nothing more pleasing than helping individuals construct their identities without the interference of their Saudi nationality.     

 

 

 

On the other hand, there are careless, lethargic and unreliable Saudis who are unwilling to  put any effort into their work.  It would seem that Saudization helps them find jobs, but in reality it just discourages them from enhancing their skills and strength.  Helping Saudis cannot be done by placing them in positions that they  have not earned. By implementing Saudization, organizations encourage such people to remain the same and stand still, because there is no need to learn anything as long as they can get away with their lack of qualifications and secure a job and salary effortlessly just because they are Saudis. They will never be motivated, because they know deep down that they can get what they want easily and effortlessly. So why should they try to improve?

 

     I believe that the purpose of Saudization is to offer Saudis more opportunities to live better. Furthermore, I believe that helping Saudis can be achieved by  providing them with a solid educational system, more internship programs and more room for voluntary work. They must work hard before they secure jobs.  Saudis do not need a law to force the private sector to hire them. Moreover, they are not less than other nationals, they can stand on their own two feet. Saudis are able to study, work, compete and reap the benefits of their hard work. The priority must be given to those who are qualified.  Doing so will make hard-working  people feel appreciated, while those who are usually indifferent will feel motivated to work harder.