This is in reference to the article in Saudi Gazette “Burmese, other nationalities’ dilemma” (April 22). The writer has touched on the humane aspects of the issue brilliantly by commending the correction of status of the Burmese and is calling for a similar action to rectify the statuses of the Africans, who are in the Kingdom illegally. For all practical purposes the idea does not smack of practicality. If the Kingdom had a plan and a revised system then this action could be contemplated. But with the existing Kafala system and the influx of the Burmese to the workforce the Saudi labor force would end up in a big mess.  If the Saudi Labor department manages to rectify these issues then they would have a readymade system to implement when it comes to correcting the statuses of the illegal Africans. Then maybe the Kingdom would have a systemized workforce and pool of labor to tap into if and when they require.

 

Ashfaque via email