Gulf states have in the recent past been taking extensive measures to provide jobs for their citizens. As countries that rely heavily on foreign labour, such moves naturally require the states to displace a certain number of expatriates to make room for citizens in the labour market. It is important to remind expatriates that it is a natural right for any state to safeguard the wellbeing of its citizens first and foremost. It is not merely a state’s right to do so, but it is its responsibility towards the citizens.
Saudi Arabia expelled thousands of illegal expatriates this year and has in recent days toughened penalties on those who employ illegal labourers. Oman has placed restrictions on expatriate employment in two additional categories: Construction and domestic help.
Such moves may not yield immediate results. In fact, they may lead to a negative phenomenon — socially and economically. However, they are likely to be fruitful in the long term.
Gulf states, however, also need to be reminded to enact such policies wisely and after thoroughly studying their consequences. One may be forgiven for thinking that some such polices are adopted as a knee-jerk reaction to citizen demands and a quick and populist attempt to appease the public. Are Gulf citizens ready to do blue collar jobs, for example? A Kuwaiti minister has similarly suggested expelling 100,000 expatriates per year for 10 years without providing much detail on the policy. Gulf states need to know that the expelling of expatriates is no panacea for their problems. Securing jobs for citizens is a good move, but it is one that should be undertaken responsibly and realistically.
