Our intention is not to send back foreigners: K.N. Wasif reports

Riyadh, June 13: The news published last week imposing the condition of six years maximum period of employment in Saudi Arabia created a panic among the N.R.I’s. We had mentioned that the purpose is not to repatriate foreigners since they are needed have but to eradicate unemployment among the natives.

Labour minister Mr. Aadil Faqeeh issued a statement in which he reiterated that the categorization of institution scheme is not to dislodge foreigners. Private sector will also be in need of foreign employees.

Ministry of labour issued 20 lakh more visas in 2010. categorization of companies is part of a strategy, the purpose of which is to persuade private companies to recruit Saudi nationals.

The companies will be categorized Green, Yellow, Red etc. on the basis of the rate of employment provided to Saudi nationals.

The companies which are marked red or yellow will not be entitled to get visas to bring foreign employees.

A system of regular payment of salaries, medical insurance for household workers will be made compulsory. To take care of the complaints of the foreigners a multi-lingual center will be opened.

The latest statement of labour minister gave a relief to many N.R.I.’s because the companies marked yellow have now been made entitled to get the resident permits of their employees renewed. Companies marked green and unique can change their sponsors. Such employees will now be attached to big companies at lucrative salaries.

knwasif@yahoo.com