Employment in KSA
On March 26, 2008 I was terribly shocked to learn from a press report that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) would no longer recruit Bangladeshi workers in the housing and agriculture sectors. Saudi Arabian Labour Minister Gazi Al-Gosabi reportedly said-"The decision was taken in view of the fact that the quota fixed for Bangladeshi workers in the Kingdom was over". Good! Is this quota like those of the US DV quotas?!
In reality, by hiring Bangladeshi workers, the KSA is not only solving unemployment problem but also helping their Bangladeshi brothers lead a better and honest life. And the Bangladeshi and other workers are earning through selling their labour. Of course, if a Bangladeshi worker breaks the law or undermines his own status, he deserves to be punished as per the law. The Bangladesh govt. should also take legal action against such an offender. What I heard is that language is a problem. Since most Bangladeshi workers are less literate, in most cases they fail to follow Arabic and English. I think, this problem can easily be overcome if the Saudi government can set up Arabic Language Teaching Centres in some major cities of Bangladesh, including capital Dhaka. This Arabic Language Teaching Centres can also provide some elementary instructions on communicative English. If we look at the English speaking countries like the United Kingdom, the British Council has set up English Language Teaching Centre for helping Bangladeshis learn English before leaving for the UK on account of education, job, or other purposes. At the same time, the KSA authorities should take appropriate measures to let their general employees engaged in public service learn English and other international languages.
We in Bangladesh greatly admire the Saudi King and his Kingdom. He is the custodian of two holy mosques. At a time when some vested quarters are trying to undermine Islamic culture, norms and values, the Saudi King has a great responsibility of guiding the entire Muslim world. Islam is a religion of peace and the Muslims are very much conscious about leading their life by differentiating between what is 'right' and what is 'wrong' as per the instructions of the Holy Koran.
What I feel, and many others will share my views, is that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should emerge as one of the superpowers of the world rich in knowledge and scientific excellence! But to accomplish this goal, it needs to come closer to the people, Muslims in particular and others in general.
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