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Life in Saudi Arabia is good – oil rich, tax free incomes, multiple servants, big villas and security. Even labourers, remark on the improved quality of life in Saudi as compared to Pakistan. For them this is an opportunity to support their families in the relative security of the Kingdom.
It seems Pakistani expat workers are satisfied with life. Even migrant labourers who I have conversed with personally say life is better in Saudi than in Pakistan, and the incomes they receive give their families back home a fighting chance. Personally, I’ve had good experiences and memories of living in the Kingdom for many years. But let’s face it – there is a conflict between personal gain and ethical integrity when it comes to Saudi Arabia.
One can witness a pervasive sort of racism, a form of Saudi supremacy that views other types of Arabs and particularly the South Asian expats (who are mostly labourers) as inferior and mere ‘commodities’ who can be bought and sold ruthlessly. Expats are not human beings but a commodity to be bartered and acquired.
Connected to racial supremacy is an attempt to insulate the regime from criticism by using the cloak of religion. Saudi textbooks are filled with references to hate; the Islamic Studies curriculum in the country is simply barbaric. I’ve experienced first-hand being taught by an Islamic Studies teacher in one of the most prominent private schools in Riyadh, about the dangers of having non-Muslims as friends and about the evil conspiracies hatched by Christians, Jews and Shias.
In Pakistan, Saudi petro-dollars have funded factories of hate in the form of the madrassa system. ‘Petro-Islam’ is a nightmare scenario – capitalism and a dangerous ideology locked in a tight embrace. It is because of the sheer amount of money behind this austere and dangerous theology that it can easily overwhelm the moderate elements in any given society.
Little attention is given in Pakistan about the treatment of Pakistani labourers. If the Saudis will not speak about the suffering of these people then why should we remain silent? It is understandable that Pakistanis within Saudi cannot protest, but why do Pakistanis living outside who have witnessed first-hand the harsh treatment of their fellow citizens choose to remain silent? The Gulf countries practice a modern day equivalent of slavery, and our media should be more vocal about it, instead of weaving tales about Mossad and RAW.
The treatment of Pakistani labourers as sub-humans is deeply pervasive. The underlying logic of this treatment is that a non-Saudi can never be an equal; they are always meant to serve. Pakistanis like to criticise Europe’s hostility to immigrants but the anti-immigration feeling in Saudi Arabia is deeply toxic and yet it is never scrutinised.
A famous Pakistani defence of Saudi Arabia is that it is an ‘Islamic country’ and ergo a good place to raise the kids. But there is very little ‘Islamic’ about the country – in my time in Saudi, I talked to converts to Islam who travelled from as far as America and the UK to see for themselves the ‘Islamic’ Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Privately, they reveal a story of disillusionment and profuse disappointment.
Many were shocked by what they see in Saudi. They talk about a hypocrisy running deep within the society. Whilst the elite enjoy a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking and private nightclub-style parties, the religious police make life hell. I once saw a mullah in a GMC reverse on one of the main roads in Riyadh just to tell a woman to put her burqa on properly.
I find we are confused about our reaction to the prospect of a ‘Saudi Revolution’. When Mubarak was toppled and Ben Ali fled, the reaction amongst Pakistanis was positive, after all these dictators were merely pawns of the West. But talk about Saudi, and again there is that sense of unease and discomfort. After all, for all their faults the Saudis still do some great work. Many Pakistanis and indeed Muslims around the world have a sense of deep respect in regards to the provision of the Hajj. Indeed, the Saudis have continually done a fantastic job in improving facilities, crowd control and should be given credit for handling such a difficult event with efficiency.
But on the issue of faith, some Pakistanis are naive in thinking that a Muslim country can never be unjust with another Muslim country; they refuse to accept that in the reality of real politick there is no ‘Islamic Ummah’.
It is this sense of moral unease we have when we talk about Saudi Arabia that has haunted Pakistani hearts and minds. On the one hand, we receive great remittances from Pakistani workers who are employed in the Kingdom, but on the other hand everyone knows that they are discriminated against and have little or no rights. But yet again the response is that those Pakistanis living and working in Saudi Arabia should be grateful that they even have a job because of the deteriorating economic conditions back home. In this cold, utilitarian world where money talks, it is impossible that the Pakistani government will fight for its citizens rights in front of the Saudi Royal family.
The old adage, ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you’, comes to mind. Pakistan is trapped in an abusive marriage (or maybe a delusional affair?) when it comes to Saudi.
Today the Kingdom is launching a great counter-revolution trying to contain the ‘Arab Spring’ by buying off Arab militaries, supporting dictators, issuing fatwas against the protestors and involving the Pakistani security forces in controlling protests in Bahrain which has become a stage for its great feud with Iran. Pakistan is very much a supporter of tyranny in the greatest political awakening of the 21st century, and this will hurt only Pakistanis in the end.
Ahmad Ali Khalid is a freelance writer and blogger based in the UK. He can be reached at ahmadalikhalid@ymail.com
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
I think the major problem with muslims is that they themselves misunderstood the principles of Islam. Islam doesn't teach us to discriminate humans, but still our Mullahs & Scholars divide mankind in classes and sects. Quran tell us that we are to protect the rights of all humans in an Islamic state irrespective of their belief, caste and race as long as they are law abiding citizens. Muslims have to revive their beliefs and educate themselves with true moral values of humanity that was revealed in the Quran. Quran gives us guidelines to establish a welfare society where everyone's rights are protected and prosperity is ensured . But we have made it a book of prayer and rituals mocking its commandments of equality , tolerance and humanity. God has clearly refuted the ritualistic worship in the verse 2:177 of Al Quran. The whole subject and message of Islam revolves around humanity. A true Momin is one who provides peace to and security to other but Alas! we did fail to grasp the true message.
The economic conditions,law and order situation and so many things back in Pakistan keep the mouths of poor Pakistanis shut.Whatever are the conditions in Saudi Arabia, the rials matter only.At what cost it does not matter.So what if they are treated as commodity.Afterall their families back in Pakistan are living comparatively better life.What happens to their fathers,brothers or sons,they are least bothered.
AWESOME ARTICLE! Not just Saudi Arabia, but all the Gulf States. The truth is that all these "Sheikh bin Sheikhs" were installed in these geographically important locations after a power vacuum was created by the Ottoman defeat at the hands of the British, who were hell-bent on destroying the Caliphate (as flawed as it was). They knew what a powerful symbol of unity the Caliphate was and they could not let it threaten their dominance in Asia. Arab Spring really needs to spread to the Khaleej.
Saudi a great place to be, people are nice. and what ever happens in palaces is macro politics which is totally separate from micro level behaviors of people.
Saquib
Saudi Arabia was very progressive until 1975. Since then Islam has entered their government procedures in a big way. They are now leading by example on how to implement Islam. Some are very good like internal security, discipline, art, architecture, Islamic banking and economic condition mostly supported by oil. Some are anachronistic e.g. capital punishment by beheading, different treatment of non-believers, “very high” influence of religion in education, government, suppression of females etc. Terrorists have liked the bad aspects very much, using these to extreme in irrational manner. Though non-believers are their core target, fellow peaceful Muslims are getting hurt, either physically, or economically. It is time all Islamic countries together stress on good features of Islam and avoids those anachronistic features from all countries. Terrorists will also lose wind from their sail.
I have spent 35 years of my life in Pakistan and now I am in UK and I can fully understand where from the writer is coming from. I totally agree with him and I think Pakistanis are very naive in their understanding of what Islam is and where is Islamic Ummah. I think its a great religion but is in the hands of wrong people and as with every major religion it is being misused by the politician. Islamic countries are far behind from the rest of the world. The only that can make a positive difference is one honest leadership who has only one mission of looking into the education policy and make it consistent, controlled and compulsory through out the country.
May Allah bless Pakistan.
Ahmad Ali Khalid, keep up the good work.
Ok, so you want to talk about treatment of Pakistani workers in Saudi. I would say this is true for the whole of the Gulf.
However, I don't really care about how Saudis or any other wealthy arab nation treats us. You think you have any rights back in Pakistan? You are much worse off in your own Country. I have spoken to a number of expat Pakistani labourers and they love KSA despite the treatment meted out to them.
As regards your conclusion Pakistan has always been a supporter of tyranny, this has been the policy of your government(s) and is applicable domestically as well as externally.
European nations are by far the best places to live as they have evolved to respect human rights and any Pakistani has more of a fighting chance in an European Country than either in the Middle East or (least of all) in his own Country.
We are all today busy fighting for God and Islam when we don't even come close to either knowing or understanding either. The world is full of hypocrites and it is time for a meteorite to find its mark and end it all.
Cheers
Discrimination is everywhere against South Asians. I failed to understand why the writer has targetted Saudi Arabia only. He is living in U.K. Please write something about discrimination there in Britain. In spite of all these things Saudi Arabia is the biggest employer of Pakistani workers. Please close this discussion before Saudi Arabia expels all these workers , adding to already unemployed Pakistani workers. I mean this may be a especially motivated move to severe Pak-Saudi relationships.
i do not agree with Mr. Omeidi. we should speak up for the unjustice being done. saudis what they claim so called muslim brothers, one could not imagine such behaviour from them. there is no such thing as pak-saudi relationship. king abdullah goes to india and says offically that he considers india his second home. what do u expect from such people. Mr. Omeidi dont just save your job. look ahead in future.
I do agree with Mr. Ahmed Ali Khalid, but alas if he has read famous novel of Mr. Shaukat Siddique "Khuda ki Basti". Our elite of poor country also live like elite of Saudis, with key clubs, Dance parties, with many "keeps". Everybody knows about our elite (Political Leaders, High ranking officials, even some religious leaders). Please pray for this nation and do some work for this country "PAKISTAN" means pure & clean country. If I am needed somewhere, I am ready to go.
Well a good article indeed. First hand I have seen the ill-treatment meted out to Asians, Pakistanis & Indians included by these arrogant Arabs. Though I am not a muslim myself, to an Arab Indian or Pakistani muslim is not a real muslim. They mean that muslims from sub-continent are converts to Islam from Hinduism, which of course is historically true. But the treatment meted out OUR people is pathetic, no matter one is a labourer, a doctor or an engineer. This is my observation of the Arab countries and the Arabs.
About time someone mention the inhumane treatment Asians receive in so called Islamic countries. I have lived in KSA back in late 80's and felt like being imprisoned. I have been living in the US for past 20 years and must tell you that when it comes to human rights & dignity, no other country comes even close.
So many of the readers have commented on the great article, which sure it is. I agree on the basis of my personnel experience. I used to work as a chemical engineer in a government job. I left it and now reside in USA. I feel I am a human now. I feel I do have rights.
I differ with the author on the labeling of the Pak Saudi relationship.
The other thing everyone is lamenting about is the attitude and discrimination displayed by Saudis. It is probably the only place where discrimination is allowed by law. For those who would like to eat cake thrown at them rather dried bread with honor, Saudi Arab is a great place.
THIS IS NOT TRUE. SAUDIS ARE THE BEST PEOPLE ON EARTH. ALHAMDULILLAH I M IN KSA.
excellent good work..we need more articles like this which shows the real face of Arabs and Muslims. Of course our people going their to earn money n provide the very basic needs of their loved one.they know they will be exploited their but still they like to go their coz they dont have any other option.
i suggest it would be much better if we try to rigger out the policies and corruption of our politicians so our country will be on track. its not that difficult we need a revolution b blood shed on mass basis.everything will be fine.no one should be given safe passage.all of us should be equal and equally treated by law.thats it.no mercy for corruption.every body should be dealt on merit .
The silence is called diplomacy. If the Pakistani government were to challenge the practises of the employers in Saudi, it will jeopardise the livelihoods of many Pakistani's currently working there. Unskilled workers don't want to upset the status quo in a globalised environment where they have no bargaining power and can easily be replaced by cheap labour from other countries. However, Allah is the witness of all our behaviour and on the day of judgement those employers will be accountable for the treatment or exploitation they delivered to their employees. Exploitation of cheap labour is happening from Singapore where Phillipino maids perform a role of servitude to Africa where Chinese money is made on African sweat. There is no ideal country where equality reigns.
Salam. I agree 100% to what you say, but there is a saying in urdu " DHOBI KA KUTA NA GHAR KA NA GHAAT KA" pakistanis are not respected inside and outside Pakistan. can you explain the fact that why are you in UK? the same reason for which the poor pakistanis go to saudi! I was called "Paki" so many times in UK! I have been in UK and in Saudi for a while but now back in Pakistan for almost 10 years doing teaching and clinical work and I am comfortable here as nobody is calling me Paki anymore to me or to my family. Kind Regards
This is a fact that Saudis discriminate against non-Saudis. The difference is that they discriminate less against Americans and Europeans and more against the Asians and Africans. They also discriminate against Muslims of all sects except Whabis. Non-Whabi Muslims are not considered Muslims by Saudis. Anyone who has lived in Saudi Arabia like me will verify this Saudi attitude. Lack of tolerance is rampant in Saudi culture.
I agree with you what you are saying…but what solution do offer?
Well written article and very courageous of you to highlight some of things that people dont like to bring out in the open.
The writer talked about the Saudi society and mistreatment of Asian but fail to mention a single mistreatment and what kind of treatment they imply on the Asian. I think the article in not balanced.
The article is well written by the writer and I praise him. As an american muslim when I compare the rates of salary for the workers specially the pakistanis I feel very sad. The wages are less then USD 1,000 per month plus the bad treatment that hunts them all the years they are living in that country.
Pakistans mistake is that they have allowed cheap labour workers to go to gulf countries and these countries as opportunistic as they are have actually miss used them. Today Pakistani president was in Jeddah promoting trade ties and all the good stuff but I think that is wrong. The pakistani officials should work for the benefit of its people and also stress the need to respect the pakistani citizens in that country also to draw a line that Yes Pakistan is poor due to population boom that is 12 times more then Saudi but that does not mean Pakistanis are ignorant or uneducated like Saudis. Pakistani workers should think twice can you live in Pakstan if you can make RPs 20,000 per month and is it worth to live in Saudi Arabia away for the freedoms of Pakistani lifestyle.
I wish for the pakistani muslims the health, wealth and prosperity and I hope all the workers do try their best to leave that country and never look back. Media in Pakistan should raise awareness and also should play a role to guide its citizens. I know living is hard in Pakistan without work but living is all about having liberties, rights and justice.
We are to blame for this sad state. As long as we think we are descended from Qasim and consider ourselves as "Quereshi", we have no hope of true freedom. We will forever be subservient using arab phrases loudly and trying our best to not be called South Asian/Pakistani.
All I can say to this article is that you have to obey the laws of the country you live in. If pakistan was a wealthy nation and the people were honest, the Saudi's would treat the Pakistanis with respect. So untill the Pakistanis learn respect their fellow countryment and cease their dog eat dog attitiude in Pakistan, then Allah will change their condition and treatment for the better. Long live Saudi Arabia and may Allah help Pakistan.
Pakistanis are essentially people of the same Indus valley civillization like Indians. But I see that most Pakistanis distance themselves from their Indian roots and take pride of their Arab genes. If you are so proud of the Arab cleansing that you underwent 1000 years back, so where is the issue of serving arabs?
I've an idea. Let's talk about Pakistani attitudes towards Bengalis pre-1971.
KSA does it to Pakistanis/Indians/Other South Asians because they can get away with it. I lived in Khobar for 6 years. Numerous westerners visited and I took them to meet clients, just the sight of a blonbe hair/blue eyed westerner makes a typical Saudi bow down and kiss the ground they walk on. We all know and perhaps agree that hatred is in Saudi blood but its selective. The monarchy is no exception either. Other Arab countries act in a similar fashion but most don't do it in the name of religion. The problem is Hypocrisy (munfiqat), it has existed in Arabs and generally in Muslims for centuries. May God help us and keep us safe from hypocrites.
Saudis may think they are superior in their country only but their reputation is next to nothing in world.
in 1996 I went to Saudia to perform Hajj as an American citizen, at Jeddah airport I saw how badly the Saudis were treating their brothers and sisters in Islam from the Indian Sub-Continent. I have lived in America since 1983; and love it. It is the best place to live. There are some problems but all in all life is GOOD. I feel sorry for the Muslims who are forced to live and work in the Middle East. Most Arabs hate and look down upon, Indians,Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, and other Far Eastern countries.
India and Pakistan are really rich countries; but we have dishonest politicians and business people. I hope our countries can change for the better so we don't have to go outside to earn a living…InshaAllah.
I do not agree with writer portraying Saudi Arabia, we may not agree with many of their policies but Saudi still much better place to be in Middle Est compare to arab smaller arab nations. i may not have first hand experience as writer have but being in Middle East i understand how arab mind works… Saudi is home to millions of Pakistani families and biggest source of income for many back home in general and biggest foreign exchange earner for our country in particular. Pak is country where thousands die everyday for no reason, our rulars turned country into one American colony forget the modern slavary… We found Saudi stand by Pak in all situations…. The benefits of Saudi Arabia's brotherhood and help are far superior then little bit of some individual behaviours in Saudi society, which after all not our country anyway and they know better how to run it. Lets get our house in order first before criticising people who are loyal to us….. this article not serving any to Pak relation with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi has lot of oil and Americans provide them with technology and management to extract it from deep earth. USA wants a very stable Saudi Govt, and they have found the easiest they can do is to support the Royal Family and allow them to rule the country by iron fist. Saudi is using Islam and Sharia only to suppress its own people and whosoever land in their territory, while the rolyals and the upper echolon of the society follow a different life-style. Have you ever heard USA ( the so-called champion of democracy ) talking against the suppressive KSA regime. They have business interest in Oil. For same reasons USA invariable supported many military regimes in Pakistan also. Don't you think it is easier to deal with a single power center in a country rather than dealing with several democratic institutions and power centers within a country. Despite for the once-in-a-while rhetoric they make about human-rights violations in dictatorships, in its closer business heart, they love dictators ( religious, military, communists etc ). USA will show-case its democarcy only to assume a moral-high ground in international stage. Dear Pakistanis, see through this double-game. Strenghten your secular democracy elements in your society. Mind it seriously, when USA starts talking to Kayani or Pasha directly, thus bypassing Gilani and Zardari. It is a bad sign, really a bad sign.
The author points to a very valid concern. Nevertheless, I would imagine that when all is said and done, the expatriates have reasons to celebrate their years spent in Saudi overall. From those families that have spent their entire lives in the kingdom, much like the author himself, look back and are generally found to be happy to have paid the price. In lieu of successful parenting, sustenance in education, and the ability to provide a living chance for their kids to reach new heights in the international arena, these expatriates have generally been happy in hindsight.
If you go through all the comments offered on this article, one can say that 95% audience support the writer’s view. This show that our society is far away from a point where one can reasonably understand and differentiate between issues and non-issues that come-across to you as a person or as a nation.
we have other problems as Pakistanis then the ones mentioned by the writer
Roti, Kapra, Bijli, Paani, Makaan. Please understand that these are now the issues.
We are not a nation anymore. Corruption and loot is more common than anything else.
We have no respect anywhere in this world, not just Saudi. Our politicians and leaders have forced us to loose our self respect.
yeah u right ……!!
I am new to KSA i and i do agree with the writer,but i wanna make just one comment…..People belonging to unstable economies and corrupt politicians have no futue,but to live like the author believes.
Agreed. Rights come with obligations. We don't want to be obligated while wish to enjoy every right no matter where they lie. The day when we will be a responsible nation, such issues will automatically vanish.
The Median average of good / bad or fair / unfair people in Saudi Arabia, India or Pakistan is about the same.
Pakistani feudal class treats its own peasants and laborers with about as much disdain as an average Saudi. 70% of our population lives at or below the poverty line. Majority of our people are subjected to far worse humiliation than an average pakistani labor comes across in Saudi Arabia or rest of the Gulf. Majority of our people have no rights at all; no guaranteed wages, no security, no medicare; treated like animals and insects by their own countrymen.
Saudi Immigration authorities are famous for their rudeness. Our hard working labors get about the same shabby treatment by Customs, FIA and host of government agencies once they land on Pakistani soil. Our national Airline too treats fare paying passengers as Trash.
If our own authorities and leaders do not respect their own citizens; how on earth do we expect Saudis to respect them.
Excellent release. Very few people have got the myth. 99% people are talking and supporting which is not our issue. Good analysis. Muhammad Imran Chaudhary – UAE
Mr Imran Chaudry I completely agree with you.This article is about Saudis and not about treatment of workers in their respective motherlands.In any article there is a topic or subject and discussion should be only on that subject.
That is a good analysis but is missing a critical analysis element. Imran, while comparing Saudi working conditions with Pakistani and attitude of Saudi immigration with Pakistani, has done an apple to orange comparison. If I want to compare working conditions of Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia I must compare it with Saudis in Saudi Arabia and other nationals in Saudi Arabia, which no doubt is very bad. Same is the case with immigration authority which is exceptionally rude with Pakistanis.
The day you are free and independent, you will not need to accept the inequalities……
SA ,an absolute monarchy, a family controlled kingdom that tells you the whole story.A Saudi citizen does not do any manual labour, it is left to Pakistanis, Indians and far eastern natives. Result is that Saudis have no appreciation of daily grind that imported labour has to go through.
Its a great effort towards something everybody ignores! BUT first thing first, First we need to make our home able to be lived in and work in, Now a days the circumstances of Pakistan are not very good, everybody is trying to flee away from the country just to save the life and secure some money for the family back home.
If the country economy is going up, jobs are available, industry is in place, then no body needs to go to Saudi (or any foreign country) and earn food for the household.
Having lived in Europe and worked in the Middle East, I'd like to say a few things. Every society has its good and bad people, and amongst the Arabs are very hospitable and nice people. But the biggest difference between the two regions is there exists a system, checks, and courts which uphold the human rights of workers in Europe (altho there still is a lot of exploitation which goes on, particularly with people who do not have the right papers). In the Middle East there is a very systematic policy of discrimination that exists, differentiating between people from wealthier states and poorer ones, unfortunately this mentality has seeped into a lot of the youth of the middle east (who unlike their parents never grew up in austerity).
A final point I would like to draw, is many of these labourers prefer the Middle East (certainly with their feet), why? Because of better pay, they can afford for their families back home a basic livelihood, but also because back home, they to are not respected by their bosses, the middle and upper classes, and often subject to just as much exploitation.
The logic is simple really, he who pays the piper calls the tune, whether you are in your home country or in the Gulf, or like the writer, in the enlightened West !
When I worked for a few years in the Gulf, like most of those from South Asia, I could get along well only with people from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lankans, and Indians. The goras had their own cliques, and the Arabs were after all the " arbaabs "
It is very simple guys, "Love it or leave it". Every society has its merits and demerits. If you don't like it then simply leave it and go back to your country. Even the writer has enjoyed all the merits during his stay in KSA and now lives in the "sanctity" of UK. What an irony.
becase uk is thousand times better than SAudi arabia.
‘Love it or leave it” exactly what the author said. When the French banned the burqa (FYI Turkey has banned this too), I never heard the same statement.
I agree 100% with the writer about what he has written about Saudi people treatment towards other nationalities and Pakistani as well.It has been 4 months in saudi .and they seriously treat us as lower grade people..i think this is one of the biggest mistakes in life i have done by coming here ….
Great Article. I thoroughly enjoyed it and could imagine how true it is as I've expereienced (though for a short while) the life in Saudi Arabia.
Media should highlight this too I agree with you.
The conclusion is the highlight of your article…Pakistan is very much a supporter of tyranny in the greatest political awakening of the 21st century, and this will hurt only Pakistanis in the end.
Great job. well done
Fantastic article and great views from all of you people. I lived in K.S.A for 5yrs and witnessed some of the most appalling incidents concerning locals treatment towards Pakistani & Indian people. I met some good and humble people there too. You get good and bad in all societies. I will partly blame our so called (respected) governments for not showing respect to our people in our own countries. We need to value our own citizens & their lives at home and away. All the HARD WORKING OVERSEAS PEOPLE need a plat form provided where they can be heard of their distress or problems HONESTLY & Justicely. As far as Saudis May Allah guide them. Love to all the Pakistani people who are working so hard to support their families back home and sending millions to help our BELOVED PAKISTAN.
Very good article indeed, i too have felt the discrimination by the locals while i visited the Kingdom to perform Umrah some years back and i have also heard various accounts and stories from individuals from countries such as Pakistan, India and other Middle eastern countries that were subjected to serious discrimination in the Saudi, it is indeed shameful that these Saudi's can treat other human beings like that, they preach in the name of religion and the religion teaches them to show respect and tolerance towards others yet their attitude towards their fellow Muslim brothers is the exact opposite, regardless of religion any human being deserves respect, i guess Muslims around the world are unfortunate that the House of God has been placed in a country run by these kinds of people…
I don't find anything wrong in Saudi treatment. They have to take maximum output from the labourers they have hired. And as far as human rights & dignity etc. are concerned, they haven't provided it to most of their own citizen (specially woman). Why should they provide these to temporary expats.
Pankaj-ji,
Don't be funny !!!
How do you justify this idea of yours : " I don’t find anything wrong in Saudi treatment."
I think we Pakistanis already have enough on our plate at the moment…we cant start dealing with every issue at the same time….first thing first!
I could see your comments simple, straight and relevant. 99% people are unable to understand that they are talking a non-issue. We should look into our issues.
Basic human rights might be a non-issue to u, but I it is wonderful to c that many others disagree. When people are forced in a state of inferiority, they do in fact become inferior. Saudi and the most of the gulf countries promote racism and discrimination, and that is no secret.
It is true that Pakistan has enough on it's plate, but most of it is Saudi funded, madrassa branded terrorism. It is time to take the bull by it's horns.
99%? So its true that 67.9 % of all stats are made up on spot!
We have to improve on everything otherwise it will require ages to get back to track. Please do not put restrictions on thinking… Keep exploring…..
I appreciate writer's courage, I have worked in UAE for 30 years and got opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia five times for Haj and Umra, I have not seen such arrogant persons anywhere during my various world trips.
we should raise our voice locally and internationally highlighting the negative treatment by saudis to low class expats
its funny but painful to see how educated people think that migrating (for whatever reason) takes you to heavens where all is right. it is NOT. while most of observations and comments are pretty true who can tell us one single country where everything is how you want it to be? if Eu or US has better human rights, they too don't let you come and live so easily and you don't nearly save half money (from labor's perspective) there than what you can save here. Each country has its strengths and weakness and in the end its your choice where you want to work.
It is really an 'open secret' that labourers, and not just them but Asians working in other capacities too, including doctors and engineers, are discriminated against, in the Middle East. When discrimination applies to the highly skilled personnel, you can easily imagine the plight of labourers there. Two wrongs do not make one right, and if we can not do anything for them, the least we can do is admit they are in pretty bad shape. When slavery took place in Americas hundreds of years ago, the argument given by Americans for bringing in slaves from African countries was the very same argument many of us, and indeed many in the Gulf, often give-that life in the home countries of these labourers is worse than what they experience in the Gulf. I admire your courage for speaking about this issue. Hats off!
in KSA we find lots of managerial and supravisor jobs filled with Indians while pakistanis are found mostly in lower rug. WHy???
You are indian right look at the kerela workers in Jubail or rasta noorrah and you will see how poorly they are living trying to make US300 per month. So Mr. Manoj keep those managerial jobs that you are talking about just for yourself for now.
Because it is harder for Indians to get labourer visas than it is for Pakistanis. And there seven times as many Indians as there are Pakistanis in the world, so yes, you will see several times more Indians than Pakistanis in managerial positions, but I doubt its more than 7 times as many.
Indian Managers and supervisors are known to pnly hire Indians and especially discriminate against Pakistanis. Around the world you put an indian incharge of any place and eventually most of the work force becomes indian under them why?
Akil – so u mean to say that the ones above the indian managers and supervisors are indians as well??? thats funny…
I do agree on article, which focus on essential issues, in existing days Saudi labor minister calms jobs panic:
The minister, however, assured expatriate workers employed by red and yellow companies that they would be allowed to move to green-category companies if those companies are seeking foreign workers.
Under the current system, foreign workers require a no-objection certificate from their employer in order to switch jobs.
Employers in yellow or red categories will no longer be able to block their foreign workers from switching jobs to companies in the green category.
This decision acts as an incentive to employers because recruiting foreign workers locally costs less as employers are not required to provide periodic round-trip tickets for home visits or pay international labor-recruitment fees.
Most of Company H.R. Department not coordinating with their own employees regarding this issues. we are hearing words like "Someone have in red category and while going vacation, Air Port Security gave him exit" yet not sure is it rumors or fact.
Great article. I lived in Kuwait for 7 years, was respected for my knowledge as IT consultant at work place, but was treated not too well outside. Once I had saved some money, I reurned home to breathe the fresh air of freedom! I am an Indian and most of my friends outside my country in Kuwait were Pakistanis. Indians & Pakistanis received more or less the same kind of ( bad treatment ) in Kuwait. I think it would be far worse in KSA. May we all should join hands and create an OLEC – Organization of Labour Exporting Countries and fight for our brethren's rights to a dignified treatment by the gulf countries.
Great idea!
Muslims would never side with non-muslims against Arabs even when it comes to fighiting for rights.
i am a Muslim and I would side with non-muslims in this issue. Because 'right' and 'wrong' is independent of religious identity.
No true, I will join against Arabs, if it means better conditions for labor.
Shiva, don't underestimate how strong Desi ties are. Abroad, Pakistanis mingle with Indians. We don't seek out Arabs like we do Indians and other brown folk.
Why pessimism. Indian and Pakistani are similar genetically, biologically, culturally, visually. Though their mind may look at "Muslim/Hindu", at the end of the day, I think Pak/Indian can come together. Rather than forming "Protesting Labor Exploiting" … form "Employment creation in our home land" by focusing on infrastructure/corruption/high tech/ stop focusing on terrorism. Reach a 50-50 pragmatic deal on Kashmir … have business connection etc.. …
America is a friend of Pak than SA. SA harasses every pak that goes to SA, and treats them like slaves. Ask a Pak guy in US if he is willing to go to SA instead – you'll know the answer.
I agree with Prem. As a pakistani living in UK wiht many indian friends I see so much in common. Religion never comes in between us. I believe some generation down the line would realize the common things and we may get a prosoperous south asia (as a whole). After all it took a lot of time for British, French & Germans to realize the commonalities & form what we now know as EU..
Assalm-o-alikum well, every thing has two aspect,every person has two types of behavior,similarly every county has some good and some evil deeds.As far as Saudi concerns it also has this feature.I accept that may it would have done some mistakes but its positive doings are more than its wrong policies.I believe that the feelings that a muslim can have for a muslim, a non muslim can't.
So please highlight the qualities of someone not his disqualities. As our Holy Prophet said " if you see hundreds of bad things in a person and only one good thing then don't disclose his bad things but narrate his good thing.So brother don't put the muslims against muslim countries but creat a single harmony among them and make the mission of non muslim fail.
@Abdul Wahid…Our beloved Prophet Sallalaho alehe wasallam, also said if you see some bad thing, try to stop it with your hand if not than with your mouth and if still u cant do it than say it bad at least in your heart. And to me it seems like some people dont even have courage to feel things in their heart because they have no respect for the sufferres of brutality but they still want to pray those who are treating our brothers very badly. The only one thing worth praising is Hajj/Umrah management. Although Kaaba is Allah,s house and He promised to protect this. So even if it is non Saudi Kaaba will still be prosperous and safe. JazakAllah
Wow.. you thew the right quotation for counter arguement.. that's great. I would love to see Wahid's response.
The large number of Pakistani laborers in the GCC countries reveals one of many major failings of the Pakistani government – it has denied the vast majority of its population the basic education needed for a dignified life, whether within or outside the country.
Let us not be critical of the treatment meted out to us by others in their house when we lack the resolve to change the situation in our own house.
Very true, but still doesn't change the fact that the Saudi elite think they are better then us pakistani/south asians/everybody else in the world. I don't mind a bit of ego but this takes it to the next level
@ Hassan & Qamar….please note that ego belongs only to Allah S.W.T….Saudis are no better than any other human being from any other part of the world. One of the most important lessons introduced by Islam were equality in all forms; and it is very true Saudi society is filled with contradictions and what author has mentioned only scratches the surface.
A well written article, I’ve been to Saudi three times , and I agreed with the context of the article. People living there are not much satisfied with the discriminatory behavior of Saudi against people with the same religion. But the crashed economy of Pakistan pushed people to have life there even if they’re not satisfied with the policies and law n order situation. People in Saudi confronted with discrimination, no property right, a whole life can be spent there without expecting nationality of KSA, women are not allowed to freely move around and many other issued. But still people are moving there accepting everything because of less difficult Visa policy, high financial gains, tax free economy, and high saving level.
The people of Saudi are arrogant enough to talk to any other Muslim, but the rule doesn’t apply to Europeans. And the arrogances based on oil, and foreign exchange they make for Makkha and Madina. Otherwise, they’re not intellectually strong people to rule on others and mistreat others.
As far as Pakistani state is concerned , how can it raised voice against discrimination for its citizens in abroad when the land is full of discrimination in curriculum of private and public schools, elite and low class, in job opportunities and in every sphere of life. Praying five times a day and covering face by authority can not only lead to salvation while ignoring and discriminating human rights.
The article is well written but I am afraid I do not agree with its slant. The Saudi, like the Zionist dominated America and Europe, are human and do make mistakes. The article does not address the issues of historical inequalities inflicted on the Saudi people by the muslim countries and now to envy their wealth is rather bizzare. They, the labourers, have a choice either to stay or come back home and develop their own countries. The writer himself is guilty of hypocrisy having received the "English Medium" education in Saudi Arabia. The saudi society is evolving and overtime will have better understanding of global interconnection. The Saudi do a great job in running the economy, the management of Haj and hand outs to poor Muslim and non-muslim countries. For Ms Ayesha
For Shzada Zahid, historical inequalities on the Saudi Arabia cannot justify that now in turn they treat others in an inhuman manner. In Europe, they have courage to accept their mistakes and try to change and improve, thus learning from past experience. Please see the changes which have happened in europe during the last 60 years. You may not like these things but European surely are enjoying their lives much better than us, especially in Pakistan. Labourers have a choice: this seems like a joke and also insult to poor labourer. I know from someone in the family who has recently been there that upon arrival their documents are taken away, salaries are not paid in time and you just cannot do anything. The only way to get back to Pakistan is to run away and get arrested, so they will deport you. I am talking of poor labourer and not engineers etc. Saudi management of Hajj is very good and we must appreciate that but they are not doing this free of cost. It looks more like a commercial transaction.
I have worked in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Qatri are quite humble people to work with.
First time i see people treated like animals on Riyadh Airport, it was so dissappointing to see such thing in pure land of Muhammad. May Allah give everyone respectable way of earning.
Khalid, a good article indeed. I feel pity for Pakistanis and Indians Who are explioted by saudis. I have
seen many laobourers who work far from city in their orchards for 14-15 hours at a strech without
being paid for months.These labourers will wear Kanduras to impress their KAFILS(sponser).But
These people would not melt and shout at them if they relax for a minute.
Arabs of saudi arabia are ignorant people and they don't see any thing wrong by being cruel to others. Where as Pakistanis are a product thousands of years of civilization and I can never imagine them behaving badly unless they have been indoctrinated by saudi madrasa.
Excellent Article!
Can't add anything more.
Superb and a most accurate and bold article ever written on the subject. Well done.
During my 15 years working assignments in Saudi Arabia, I witnessed and underwent through some of the most vile form of racism, hatered and degrading attitude by the locals. My wife (a devout Muslim) was once assaulted by Saudi teenagers while she was taking our son to a nearby nursery school. We dare not call the police, fearing the case might be reversed and she would end up behind bars instead. So callous and arrogant.
I have lived in Europe for more than 40 years and I can honestly say that life is much much more safe, secure and the locals so fair and tolerant. There is far less racism in Europe than in Saudi Arabia.
Well written, I've seen this same sort of treatment in Kuwait and UAE. But I can't imagine it being worse than saudi.
It is actually worse (in my experience) in the UAE/Kuwait/Qatar. Whereas in Saudia, the government and security is far more repressive than in the other guld states, the Arabs in other gulf stats are far wealthier, and sadly, far more racist since their wealth provides them another cause for hatred. In saudia, most people are poor, and the average Saudi isn't as racist as the average Emirati. But as for government repression, Saudia takes the cake.
It's a matter of time when alternate source of enery will be developed (Solar/Fusion etc) and world will be less dependent on their oil. Then they will be paid backed in the same coin. Their public is like spoilt brat and it would be a fun to see how they respond when their governement wont have the money to spend. Mind you, they dont even have natural water resources. Future is very bleak for them.
The Saudi,s consider us a liability. They grant us the very odd courtesy out of pity. They consider us to be sub human and a commodity. I have had a strange experience with them as a CEO of a company based in Canada. They treat my staff who have white skin much better than they do me and those who are darker. It is as if they themselves suffer from a complex. It is not a comfortable country to work in or to visit. Being the guardians of the two holy cities does not in anyway give them the right to disobey the basic rules of Allah!
I agree with the writer that we should not look labourer’s conditions in our home country but expect more and better from the other countries. We should also intervene in other countries matters like educational curriculum and religion instead of our own matters. We should also do realize labourers that they are treated very badly though they believe themselves better-off overseas than their own homelands – the very reason they are there.
I experienced mistreatment during Hajj, although I am a well off pakistani american.I felt that the Saudis know that they have the Kaaba and Medina and they can abuse us as much as they want and we still will come back. I can understand that we can suffer humiliation during Hajj but I cannot understand why people flock to go for Umrah
This is what happens when you forget your own native customs and religion and run behind some Saudi customs and their religion. You Pakistani’s had a great heritage in terms of wealth and religion and prosperity in all areas of your life. If the British looted your wealth, the Saudis looted your faith and ensured that you follow what they dictated. You’ve killed your own identity and nobody else is to be blamed for it.
Very very true…….you are right on target!!
We are blessed to have got rid of the idol worship and leave behind the religion of stone age. You Indians need to move on from the fact that 450 millions have converted to Islam in this region and do not want to be part of worshipping idols.
Akil – i am glad you converted to islam, good for you…as for the idol worshipers well i think they are harmless and would prefer living with them than with hypocrites having AK47s in their hands,murdering, killing, bombing innocent people and talking about the 'so called religion of peace' with its 450 million interpretations (one for each of your 450 million brethren)…as for the religion of stone age, quite ironic actually since they have come out of their age, accepted things, amended their way of living and how they live and let others live…. if given a chance to leave islam ,not be harmed and guaranteed complete secrecy, i assure you there will be mass movements quitting the religion Islam…all around the world… nevertheless thats a different story and we should concentrate on whats in our plates.
I stopped over in Abu Dhabi on a long journey, for 2 days.
For sight seeing I contracted out to a Pakistani Taxi diver ( after all he is the same race as me) and we talked a lot about life in Abu Dhabi.
I was given a very strong impression that the Pakistanis in Abu Dhabi were not at all happy in Abu Dhabi, and the treatment was not so good.
And with the recent Arab uprising in that part of the world – It was the Pakistani Health workers who were targeted, and in a bad way.
i am commenting without reading the full blog so pardon me for that. no matter how bad the pakistani laborers are treated elsewhere, it could not have been worse than the situation in which pakistani laborer is forced to kill himself and his family due to poverty in his motherland. some are even forced to sell their children and sell their kidneys.
This accusation about how badly Pakistanis workders are treated in Saudi Arabia is common knowledge and it cannot be denied.
Actually things became bad only recently since expats are blamed for the lost since of security the Saudi still remember the old days when they would leave their cars running and go shopping without a care.
Sadly things changed and mostly because of crimes always begged to those expats so the ill treatment comes from deep lack of trust to foriegners.
National character is standing up for your citizens rights no matter where we are, we should not confuse our loyalty to religion with our rights as
humans ,nor should anyone exploit our being of the same religion as a right to take us for granted. our labourers who go there, respectfully and honestly earn their pays for which they should be respected not looked down upon.it is a failing of our government ,our people not to even question the so many executions of our citizens so frequently…if we care we need to question….." a nation that stands for nothing will fall for anything''…..
Somewhat unfair. Of course, Saudis could improve the treatment of immigrants, but immigrants are not treated very well anywhere.
But many Indian and Pakistani Muslims who go to work in Saudi Arabia benefit in so many other ways whose value can hardly be quantified. They get to live on holy and sanctified land. They breathe in the same air as that breathed in by the Prophet and the sahabas. Often, to Indian and Pakistani Muslims, a speck of dust from that sand dunes of Arabia is worth more than all the gold and land anywhere else. Mere money comes and goes. Treatment received from others can vary. But the joy of stepping onto the land of Mecca and Medina can last an eternity.
OK…that's a bit tongue-in-cheek but probably not entirely inaccurate for quite a few Indian and Pakistani Muslims.
Just more never ending mid east drama, when will it end
Frankly speaking; no country, no religion and no system is perfect. It takes courage to raise voice against injustice wherever it happens. Great article indeed. Take any Muslim country. We hear media, Mullahs complaining against West-India-Israel. The same people, same media keep mum when the aggressive country-society is Islamic, especially Arabic and even more if Saudi. As Nadeem Paracha Sahib also tries to show us; we have gone blind. We tend to think whatever evil is there is due to West-India-Israel. I myself have seen Saudi rich people doing every un-Islamic thing in USA, in UK and in India. Saudis are notorious for giving shelter to rogues including Adi Amin and now ousted Arab leaders. In words of my Saudi friend, 'you have to know right people in Saudi to get away with anything'. I feel frustrated when I see Saudi returned Pakistanis-Indians-Afghans ask their wives to wear hijab. It has been a Saudi propaganda to vilify Sufism, Shia Islam, forget about Christianity and Judaism. Their TV shows promote Wahabism and vilify Christians and Jews on such a low level. I knew many Saudis who told me, they prefer obedient Indians and Sri Lankans over Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. Saudi policies are definitely responsible for the aggressive Islam which we see today. Thanks Ahmad.
Its far better to be a labourer than to be a Saudi woman. Imagine their plight….that I guess is topic for another article
Enjoyed reading this article and especially it's final paragraph. It's a balanced piece. But I do find it difficult that Pakistani's are treated much worse than Yemenis. Frankly, there are no Yemeni's in the Saudi army. There are no Yemeni Brigades defending the Saudi clan.
Also the role of Pakistan in the Middle East was devised by the British many decades ago. When Pakistan was created in the 40's, the British foreign secretary said that it's creation consolidates Britan's position in the in the Middle East.
I read the article, and very happy to see that someone has the courage to come out openly, what is happenning in Saudia,I saw it when I was there, and in during the Hajj time. Nice article..hope some day our eyes and mind will open.
"Saudi is for Saudis…." If this is your ideal state of being, would it result in Saudis having to clean their own dumpsters and sweep their own streets?
Human Rights violations is condemnable. Saudis like many other countries need to recognize the contribution of immigrant workers and should provide them with basic rights.
Now questions for the Pakistani which no one has answered so far and some one pointed it out before do you think laborers and domestic helpers are treated any better in Pakistan by their fellow country people? Ask the jobless KESC and Railway workers.
Now for the indians, do you treat all indian equally? How do you treat dalits and lower castes? Are your farm workers treated fairly?
Most of the agents taking monies from these poor laborers and then abusing them are their fellow country men.
And to the author, what do you think our mullahs are teaching young children in madrasas?
We should look at ourselves before pointing out other's flaws otherwise we are just being hypocritical.
I think the writer might not aware with the ground realities around gulf countries. He mixed the two different thinks 'the hate for saudies' and 'mistreatment with expats'. My question is 'if they are so worst' then why our people are dying to get job over there? is it because of mekkah, indeed no.
In early 70 Saudis rely heavily upon Pakistanis as their muslim brothers, but what we did over there is a tragic story. Our people killed people over there just for money, supplies drugs for money and many other thing they which they were not supposed to. I have been in Japan for about 5 months. I came to know that the Japanese govt. has to introduce new clauses in their law books because of us 'Proud to be Pakistany because of our deeds'.
Secondly, the writer is so biassed against the religious aspect over there. If they are religious or pretends to be religious what makes difference to others they have right to spent their life by their own. You say they are barbaric because of strong religious views. In contrast no one blame Iran for their biased attitude within their country. The author highlighted hate culture with shias specifically in saudia. I dont know why he said this, you can experience shia scholars crying on the roof of the kaba and every where where ever they want. However, you can not perform salat in a single SUNNI mosque in Tehran (because no sunni mosque in tehran) even 55% sunni population.
This is what biassed view point is. Unfortunately these days journalism is not a transparent process its imposing someone's point of views to others.
I completely disagree with your article….I have lived in Riyadh, KSA for over 25 years and studied in the most influential school…..My father worked as an engineer….I would like to know Ahmed, to which country are u comparing KSA to? are u comparing it to Pakistan?, then u have to think again…!!! are u comparing it to the most successful democracy on earth , USA?? please think again…none of the 2 extreme nations are comparable in any respect…KSA has true Sharia law implemented…yes there are persons that are still drinking, prostitution etc…but which country in the world does not have it?? there is no pure nation in this world……why do u have to pick KSA in ur discussion…..why not Iraq,Afghanistan,Isreal,Sudan etc….because u and many other who criticize have never lived there!
fOR UMAIR: Why criticise KSA: very simple – they are custodian of the most holiest places of Islam and they have to give an example to the others. true Sharia law implemented: this also needs to be seen as to what is Sharia; They are funding terrorists in Pakistan who are killing innocent people including those belong to Shia community. Saudis who have true Sharia as you say when go to Europe then they do things that even a European will not do: taking dozens of cars, servants/maids, even furniture. This not because of Sharia but because of money. Their behaviour is simply of Hypocracy since they donot do what they preach.
So the moral of the story is that Saudi Society is not only unfair to Pakistani laborers, but to all, saudi women, saudi men, all laborers, Bangladeshi Laborers, Pakistani Laborers. Only the priveleged has rights and freedom e.g. kings and queens, prince and princesses, friends of prince and princesses…you got my point.
This is very very true. The author has pointed out valid points. We complain about abusive behvior towards immigrants/minorities in western countries BUT the fact is solid. Abuses in so called "fellow muslim" countries are far far more worst. They ( Saudi, UAE, Qatar etc) treat expats like crap. Trust me i lived a good chunk of my life in Saudi Arabia. If anything in my opnion i have recived more respect and security in a western country then during my time in Saudi. Thisd needs to change and we need to look into this and see who are we really hating…..
I read ahmad Article and feel he is free to cwriting anything that he think is right. I also read most of comment writeen by various peoples and most of them are reside in gulf Countries. my silmpe question is this if all of you find and face such discrimination then why not you leave theses countries. But you can not because you are there for money not for become integral part of thier decelopment. It is well known fact master always treat his servent as servent not as a master.This is realty in each and every country.we ask ourselves when we return our country what type of treatment give loburers who work in your home or your field.Here we think we are master and they are our servent. this is reality. So i hope we dont blame others
the article is flawless and projects reality of Pakistani laborers working in Saudi…..what is shameful for us is that other nations such as Indonesia and Philippines have taken strong stand on the issues of rights of their nationals working in Saudi, but our government which i believe is in good position to bargain for the rights provision ( if not a stand entirely) of its nationals with Saudi………………………………………………………………………….once again great job done Mr Ahmad
Given that Saudis mistreat Pakistanis. But there is also real conceptual problem with Pakistanis and Indians overseas. With all apologies, I must note that it is about the lack of discipline and some improper social behavior that they impart in foreign countries. We must note why the Japanese and Chinese don't face such problems in other countires. Because they behave well and wait in a line till their turn come. Not Pakistanis. Just look at the public jumping on food at the Shadi halls!
Blogger statement "involving the Pakistani security forces in controlling protests in Bahrain" is untrue. Bahrain has a long tradition of hiring Pkaistani retired Army personnel in their security departments and many of them are given Bahraini nationals. They are Bahrains, not Pakistanis.
I have lived in Saudi Arabia for over 21 years and can tell you from extensive experience that the Blogger has exaggerated the issues and problems faced by expat laborers in Saudi. Yes there are few poblems, but not limited to Pakistani laborers alone.
The general treatment and condition of laborers in Saudi is still better than treatment of laborers and house workers in Pakistan. Lets raise and resolve this in-house issue first.
A good article and a very important topic — Discrimination against Pakistanis in KSA (and frankly in most arab countries) is a huge concern especially against our blue-collar workers.
I was born in Pakistan and have lived in USA for the last 30 years and UK prior to that — ALH I have been blessed with opportunity and a good life while living in US as professional. Yes, I have experienced some discrimination in my life at times but it is absolutely worse in KSA as I visit for Umrah or Hajj — You can see it when you are at their airports, shops and even places of worship. Most direct interactions with Saudi would quickly exhibit this sense and It gets lot worse if you wear Shalwar-Kamiz
Frankly, when these same people meet us here in US or UK, they are friendly, call us Ya-khee and wish to socialize — Yes, I am put-off by this.
Some of the educated/professional Pakistani's living in KSA enjoy a better life then the blue-collar workers from Pakistan but they shouldn't be disillusioned — You are the same as your other ex-pats to a Saudi. It is just that you had the opportunity and they didn't. Minimally, you must have sympathy for your ex-pats and not simply look out for yourselves.
All in all, I prefer living in the west and would recommend that to anyone as compare to any Arab lands especially KSA.
Frankly — the treatment of Pakistanis (especially the blue-collar workers) in Arab-lands has bothered me for a long time and the discrimination at simple human level they experience is worse then discrimination in UK or US.
An Indian christian can aspire to be the President of USA. In contrast Pakistani muslim or a Indian muslim can never occupy the highest post in the Arab world.
This article is smartly written with full of pack of lies and tries to put the dust in the eyes of the readers. I ask that who work/worked and live/lived in Saudi Arabia are abusing now is/was your own choice. I have been living and working in Saudi Arabia for the last 23 years with my family. I have travelled to almost all the major cities of Saudi Arabia and never faced any discrimination or problem. If one respects the laws and culture of Saudi Arabia then no one will harm you or discriminate you. I request Mr. Ahmed Khalid that you disobey or break the law, do any illegal activity or ridicule to any culture in US or any European country and see what happens. I believe the article is a malicious work to malign the relation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Majority of Pakistanis believe that Pakistan has only three true friends which have not any harmful interest or hidden agenda against Pakistan and they are without any doubt Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkey. Long Live Pak-Saudi friendship and relation.
Thanks for an honest portrayal of life of Pakistani laborers in Saudi Arabia. Much of the facts reported have already been reported in other media, and I am acutely aware of them, My Indian friends who have worked in Saudi had no problem confirming them. However, often the Pakistanis and Pakistani media have chosen to either underplay the discrimination or go on the defensive by calling it "Western propaganda". That Indians and other South Asians of non-musilm background are treated like garbage is entirely consistent with the racist, medieval culture of Saudis. Saudis want all Muslims to enjoy right to practice their religion everywhere in the world. A noble stand indeed. But no non-Muslim can ever build a place of worship on Saudi soil for their god. A more ignoble, morally inconsistent stand you seldom find. This should cause Pakistani friends to think twice. It is futile to look to Saudi for cultural kinship and heritage and denying their Asian and Indian roots.The highpoint of Arabic culture has passed since the spirit of inquiry and questioning were squelched in Arabia. All they have now is oil that is fast depleting. Unless Pakistan as a whole reaches for its true roots its pride and self-respect are in jeopardy. That is precisely the warning that Nadeem F. Paracha issued, last week. Heed to the wiseman and his words. Otherwise, I am afraid, soon the following quote about another community has disintegrated may become applicable: "disowned by the East, discarded by the West, this community has the virtues of neither and vices of both".
If the expat workers don't like the treatment they receive, then they should go back to their country and find a job there. If you think the Mexicans like doing manual labor out in the hot sun in USA, think again. I've seen them bunched up in the back of a truck just like I've seen in Saudi Arabia. But they do it because they need money. But yet, in both of these countries, Saudi Arabia and USA, there is an unemployment problem of their nationals. Business owners do not pay a decent salary to the nationals because they know that they can pay others a lower wage and make more profit for themselves. Don't think that every Saudi family is rich with tax-free oil funds and live in a big mansion. Poverty is real and the middle class is shrinking, too.
it is a pity that saudi arabia , does not behave too well with pakistani,s who have both faith and respect
for this country. its the same old story. the rich dont value the lesser rich and the poor.
ultimately pakistan should provide a decent liveing for its own people. no other country will do so.
Nice Article…very true..I am a Hindu staying in US with many Arab neighbors from different countries. My next door neighbor is from Jordon. Once his father visited from Jordon. One day he was talking to me (old person in his 70s) and he was telling about his religion and the 5 prayers. I said I knew about it from my Pakistani friend who is doing all the 5 prayers and she is Sunni Muslim. He laughed at me and said Pakistanis are not real Muslims they are converted….I said what you are saying if they are converted so you are too. He said only Arabs are real Muslims…I thought it is waste of my time to explain him further…since he was not in a position to accept any thing or change his thoughts….I felt very bad and sad for my friend though I did not tell her this episode because …to me she is a real Muslim…..
Araay bhai______who is not a convert ? Prophet Mohammed (pubh) converted others to islam.
Christians convert others to their faith. Buddhist do the same.
The point about this ARAB person is that he thinks that just because he is born in a muslim state, he is a superior .
Being born in an Arab-home is an accident of birth_____not a guarantee of being " religious"
Abdul Rehman from USA:
I am glad I came to USA 40 years ago rather than going to any Arab country, otherwise:
I would not be a citizen of that country. I would always be treated as second class citizen. Even my kids, if they were born in Arab Country, they would not be eligible to be a citizen. They would be also humiliated in schools as non-Arab that would be a great injury to their mental growth. I would always face discrimination. I would not be given equal right or equal status. I would definitely not prosper as I did in USA, thanks Allah, I would not get opportunity to hire 1000's of employees, who would have worked for me. And definitely I would financially not prosper as I did in US, because of equal rights and respect of all citizens and also non citizens.
I found in USA that they respect all people, regardless of their race, religious, nation, background, language, that’s include black, white, European, African, Spanish, Arabs, Asians, etc.
What a great country and most of the people of this country are not Muslim.
However, I have witnessed they have been following a lot of good things which has been taught by Islam, first and foremost, help others and treat everybody equally.
How hard this could be for Pakistan to just copy and adopt these policies from other countries and prosper, so our people don’t have to go to Arab countries to survive economically. Because I believe, most of the Pakistanis are very intelligent, but they are not given the opportunity to prosper.
And this would happened if the Politicians of our country think more about the prosperity of Pakistan then their own family.
In last 30 years I have lived in Pakistan, Middle East and USA. I can tell you with utmost certainty that level of respect I have gotten in USA is beyond compare. Even as a senior manager in Middle East I was treated like a blue collar laborer compared to my Arab counter parts. Becuase of this horrible treatment I left a very lucrative job and came to USA. Allhumdillah in USA I am treated as I want to be treated. Ever since my first day in USA I have been treated with common decency and dignity.
We do it to our selves! don't blame others for what happens, we (as a people) behave in that way to be treated as such! This is learnt behaviour and we have taught it to them over time!. Case in point: This behaviour did not exist before the 1971 War. It was very very difficult to get a Passport in those days and it had to be justified as the Government tried to ensure or country's reputation was not put at RISK and good citizens went abroad. You can thank the Person and Party who can in power at that time, who sent their kind to Saudi and the Middle East and other countries, disowned their loyal populatin in East Pakistan, the rest is history. If you dont take your kind to task others will
Let’s be fair and ask ourselves, how well do we treat workers in Pakistan, what is our attitude toward the Afghan refugee camps?
How would the ordinary Pakistani behave if we discovered oil overnight and became fabulously wealthy like the Saudis? Would Pakistanis behave modestly and show tolerance, or be more inclined to hedonism and discriminatory behavior as our Saudi counterparts? Given our past and current behavioral pattern, I would think the latter.
Racism, oppression and discriminatory attitudes are prevalent across the entire Muslim world. The real revolution to change this stagnant state of affairs must start with an individual rebellion of the heart.
One of the best blogs I have read. Applies to every individual, regardless of caste, creed, sex, religion, race, faith or nationality.
Zeeshan is 100 % right
Well written and articulated article. I have gone to Saudi many times as consultant. What disgusts me that they pay different amount of fees/salaries to people from different countries for a similar work. A Doctor of India or Pakistan origin will never get the same pay as an American or British even if he has similar qualification from U.S or U.K and is a national of those countries. They are convinced that white people are better then South Asians. Whenever I go there, I am always glad when my plane takes off from Saudi. Unless our South Asian countries provide opportunities to our own people, The rich Arab countries will keep on exploiting our people.
The article starts with the plight of expats and ends up at 'arab springs'? The writer tried to encompass many different issues under one umbrella.
Regarding the plight of expats, if they are unhappy and are under such discrimination, they should leave. I've seen people with 3rd generation living here now. and I believe that if there is something that the Pakistani Govt needs to do, is to brief the people who are applying for Saudia's visa.
I'd like to answer several points and try and clarify some points. I'll start by telling my connection to Saudi Arabia, I grew up in Jeddah.
With regards to the mullah reversing his GMC for whatever reason, everyone drives that way in Saudi Arabia. We are all the kings of the road. If there aren't enough lanes, we make another lane by driving half on the sidewalk. My friend does this and comes to the front of traffic and parks diagonally, making it impossible for anyone to leave before him.
About inhuman treatment, Pakistanis aren't treated anywhere as badly as Indonesians or some others, and they are treated pretty well in the Hijaz province, though I have heard worse stories from Riyadh.
About tyranny, neither Saudi Arabia nor Bahrain are guilty of anything on a level with Syria or even Egypt. And in politics, everything has to be compared. By this comparison, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain both come out pretty well.
Before criticizing the Saudi Islamic studies curriculum, I wish the author had read the quran. If he has not, may I humbly suggest that he reads the verses 5.80, 5.51, 3.28, 3.118 and 9.23. Saudi Arabia follows a pure version of Islam. Let us analyze ourselves before we criticize others. Peace.
Ali, two wrongs never make a right. Abuse is abuse. It does not matter if it is practiced Saudi Arabia or elsewhere like Pakistan. It does not make it Halal if it is in Saudi Arabia and Haram in Pakistan!
Salam to every one… I am curious about one thing, DO WE HAVE RIGHTS IN OUR COUNTRY, DO LABOURERS HAVE RIGHTS IN PAKISTAN, DO LABOURERS HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS COMPARING RICH PEOPLE, IF THERE IS DISPUTE WHICH LEAD TWO PARTIES INTO COURT WHO WILL GET JUSTICE A RICH OR AN ORDINARY MAN in PAKISTAN, EVERYWHERE MONEY TALKS, WELL I THINK A POOR MAN MIGHT GET JUSTICE IN SAUDI BUT PROBABLY NOT IN HIS OWN COUNTRY. There are lot of things to be done in our own country before pointing others.
The author brought out two great points. 1. The slavery of Pakistan labor at the hands of saudi's. 2. The funding of religious extremism into Pakistan. It is good to see some body has the courage to write about it. Paksitan should stop the funding of extremism by the saudi's and so the younger generation wont get hostage by them.
Well written article and very sadly it is true. I guess it is not only a Saudi way of treating south asians.
At least I have seen similar attitude in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya towards our nationals. It is a special "Arab treatment" for south asians. (I have lived in Saudi for 29 years).
We as Pakistanis should not talk about discrimination at least. I still remember when I was a kid in Pakistan , a Bengali woman used to come to do dishes at our place , she was not even allowed to drink in the glasses we used to drink in, so cut it, everyone is racist, and Pakistanis are even bigger racists
Discrimination exist everywhere, whether you are in Pakistan, or in the USA or in the KSA or in the UK. I would not blame the Saudis alone for their ill treatment of cheap workers from so-called third world countries. Human should live with dignity and die with dignity. Often, we tend to give-up our Allah gifted dignity for little worldly gain. Once, you give-up your dignity, you will be humiliated. Giving up dignity is worst than poverty. If we are sincere, we must teach our people keep their head up and beg to Allah almighty alone for the provision while trying their best to find a way to earn money as 'Allah is the only provider'.
Ahmad, your courage in exposing a well-known yet little talked about issue is commendable. The stories are not much different in other Gulf countries either, nor do things change from one ethnic community to another. While the economic issues behind migrant labourers need to be addressed, there is at least some thing that the govt can do at a diplomatic level. On a larger scale, without being patronising, I hope Pakistan snaps out of the Saudi spell (though a lot of damage has been done) and rediscovers its own identity which is as unique and fascinating as any. Well written, once again.
One wonders why our electronic media, the outspoken tv anchors never say anything. Where are my 'heroes' on on the small screen?
Good articulation about how Pakistanis are basically "for sale." In Pakistan you can buy people.
And tragically Indian men work in Saudi Arabia, see how women are treated, come back to India and make their wives cover up like Saudi women.
That's islamic dress style_______nothing to do with inner spirituality !!!!
i think hypocrisy has nothing to do with any religion…husbands usually tend to force their wives in doing things which they won't have done had they been given the right to do so….thats male dominant culture/society for you….and its there in every religion…with regards to covering up in islam, i think 90% women are forced and 10% of women voluntarily choose to do so….
I have also experienced that type of treatment at Dubai airport. I missed my flight and when I went to adjust travel dates, the service-lady started yelling at me! I was paying money, it was not free!
good to hear truth after a long time.
the article is very true , here discrimination has crossed all limits I myself live in KSA and i know they differentiate alot , but having said this i would like to know why everyone in the world has a problem with their ways of punishments . If a drug deal is smuggling drugs although he knows the penalty is death . why would he still try ? if he still does that , i think death penalty is right , it is not a shariah law but its the law of their country , they have very strict laws in all matters and you can see it has the lowest crime rate in the world . No doubt the kind of inhumane treatment they keep with fellow citizens should be condemned but when you live in a country and you know the laws as well , you must abide by them .
Hopefully these articles getting published on Dawn are eye opener for some.
I just have a question to people that deny the conditions in Saudi Arabia. Have anyone prayed with Saudis and lead the prayer?
If this is true, I AM SHOCKED !!!!
Just shows how much Mr. Raheel knows about Saudi Arabia – the day to day imams of most mosques in Saudi's main cities are Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Indians, Burmese etc. and, they lead the pryers five times a day with Saudis behind them!!!
A pakistani from saudi, I was born here and raised here, today thirst of my eyes in news is ended as i see a first article from Pakistan about Pakistani in Saudi Arabia. Thank you very much.
Gov of other labors do alot here to help their citizen but unfortunately our embassy dont take any bold steps to even inform us about on going development.
Thank God someone brought this up. I could go on and on about the in-human treatment metted out to Pakistani and other south asian labourers. I experienced it first hand as I spent my childhood there.
very good article and true. And add another thing they will never admit there mistake and think they are always right. Very rude many of them as well all part of the superiorior being thing.
A very sensitive article, but sadly true. I am currently living in Jeddah, and its Sad to see this. There are not rights and if there are are no efforts are made to enforce them.
hats -off to the author , our media is as silent as our government on this issue and the poor Pakistanis are suffering at the hands of those modern day barbarians there , i visited the kingdom sometime back and astonished to see the way the immigration people were behaving with pilgrimages from Pakistan
it could be far more better, if you provide more factual points than long report.
I remember a news story about Saudi prince who beat up his servant to death. The incident was reported just because it happened in London last year in October otherwise, this is a matter of routine for the Saudis and such incidents never get reported due to media gags.
All over the world Muslim countries criticize and fight with other Muslim countries. But Pakistan never criticizes other Muslim states and, of course China. More importantly, it is not the government alone, but a vast majority of the paople of Pakistan too! Alas, our future will be determined by what we do today, not on how much we pray.
It is true that Arabs discriminate among expats but that is not the case everywhere. Im a Pakistani living in Jeddah and Arabs here are very friendly and welcoming. Because of some individuals you cannot judge everyone. Discrimination lies in all parts of the world and especially with Pakistanis. I dont know which school you studied in but in my school which was an international school the islamiat teacher was perfectly normal sticking to the basic curriculum which certainly does not mention that we cannot be friends with non-muslims. Maybe your teacher taught you that its not the case in every school. "But there is very little ‘Islamic’ about the country". ?? It is probably the only Muslim country in the world where normal life stops for a while when the azaan is called out and everyone goes for prayers whether theyre working or in malls. In Pakistan our malls dont even have proper prayer rooms!
@Aizah Obaid – the reason why all business stops at the time of prayers is because the Saudi religious police forces people to do so, in direct violation of a Quranic verse that there is no compulsion in religion.
the core of Islamic ideology is embodied in the sharia. the first principal of sharia is governance and the prescribed metod is that of the caliphate. Saudi Arabia's monarchy has no place in any Islamic system. Therefore regardless of whatever strict form of wahabi theology they proclaim they are far from being an Islamic state.
Islam is much more then just stopping for Azaan. Its a way of life. Yes Islamic rituals are forced in Saudi Arabia and many Muslim very faithfully practice that. But where is the spirit and soul of Islam? Western and Christian countries are much more friendly, humane and open minded.
It is amazing that you consider stopping of worldly affairs on azaan as a benchmark of an Islamic state, there are endless episodes of double standards when it comes to dealing with non-saudi Muslims vs expats from the western world. What do we say to that ?
Islam is not just about stopping business and going to the mosque for prayer like army soldiers. Islam is more about JUSTICE and HUMAN RIGHTS. And that is what the author is pointing out!
During my visit to a huge shopping mall in Jeddah, after Azaan for Isha prayers was called, all shops started shuttering down. But I saw only a small number of people offering prayers. The mall housed more than one thousand shops. If one shop, on an average, has three people working there the total number of people, excluding the shoppers, should come to roughly three thousand. But about 400 to 500 people turned up to offer prayers. This is a very fine example of hypocrisy.
Everyone goes to pray? Which Saudi Arabia do you live in? Even the local press was quoted a few weeks ago in Arab News as saying that during the prayer closure everyone goes off to have a smoke and hang out chatting! I first came here in 1983, maybe before many of you were born, and I have seldom found Islam here. Not that I havn't found good Saudis….plenty of them. But no Islam, just the tokens and rituals and symbols.
Thanks! You just proved the author's point of view.
The writer is correct in his comment on discrimination to foreign workers. It is there for all to see. You don't have to go into the City to see it. You can experience the same as you reach the airport itself. The airport immigration is a good example of how workers from Asia are mis-treated by Saudi immigration staff. The poor workers have to wait 6 to 7 hours to get through the immigration. Imagine after a long travel, you have to stand in a queue for 6-7 hours to clear immigration, and that happens to only Asian workers. If you are a white skinned expat you are given special treatment.
It is high time Asian countries protest this discrimination and illtreatment to their nationals.
This is the fact which is going on in Saudi Arabia. Skin color matters the most in the eyes of them.
Good effort but still i feel like you were little lenient towards exposing the real story
I wonder if someone, somewhere is already taking serious offence to what little Ahmad HAS revealed.
Ahmed Ali: Thanks very much for speaking up and for being so apt and precise. We need more and more Pakistanis to feel, to realise and to speak up against this barbaric modern day slavery. We need to end this viscious cycle of respect for the Kingdom just because Makkah happens to be in KSA. They need to earn their respect, there is no reason for giving them respect when they continue to mistreat our very own people. We are equally human – our blood isn't cheap.
I had the horrific displeasure of travelling with Saudi Airlines and staying for over 10 hours at airport in KSA and I have stories to tell which should shock many Muslims.
Everyone agree with the types inhuman acts happening against expat workers, but no one say why this is happening in Arab countries.
In Western countries, the rules are the same whether you are white, black, brown or yellow, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jew or Buddhist, or even an atheist. If workers are abused, there are laws to protect them. However, in most muslim/Arab countries, such fair application of rules is not in practice. Almost all of these countries are dictatorships.
Very good article. I worked in Saudi Arabia and being a hindu I know about abuse by Saudis. When it comes to abuse, they don't discriminate. They abuse muslims as well. But most of the muslims think that being abused by saudis is acceptable and they also join the saudis in abusing non muslim.
While I agree with what you have written; but you cannot generalize that muslims abuse non-muslims in the Kingdom. It largely depends upon your work environment/culture. thanks.
Bravo, Vijai, you hit the nail right on the head, and with precision.
Good article. I have been in Saudi now for just over 4 months. I am Pakistani born British citizen. I have found Saudi's to have a very high view of themselves and a very low one of Pakistani's. One Saudi senior manager, very intelligent and experienced, once said to me that he knows there are some people from Pakistani who are educated. I was gobasmacked, I told him that there are millions of educated Pakistani all over the world with a lot in amazingly high profile jobs. There is general point of anyone non Saudi and non white, be it Arab, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, of being inferior. Worse, within Saudi's some tribes are considered inferior. There is a major superiority complex here that will not do the Saudi's any favours int he future.
I came here with a view of brining family but have decided I will never bring my children to be bought up here. A lot of Pakistani's advised me that its a fantastic place from an Islamic perspective, but apart from 5 prayers a day i don't see what else is Islamic. I have now understood a lot of Pakistani hide behind Islam as a reason to accept staying here, as opposed to accepting it is actually for the money. Pay is good here.
Just a note about an earlier post. Pakistan has been in existence a little over 60 years, but its achievements are immense. My father tells me about how at the beginning Pakistan didn't even have needles for sewing, now Pakistan is a nuclear nation. This is no small fete and nor is the recognition that Pakistan has one of the most powerful secret service networks and one of the best armies. How this is used or portrayed is a different issue, but it is still a fact.
Pakistan is administered badly, but otherwise Pakistani's achievements are immense. Let us not forget that.
Nicley said. true and valid points.
Dear Sajjad, A nation's greatness never lies in the powerful army and deadly secret service . It lies in the basic infrastructure, facilities available to ordinary citizen, good universities, hospitals etc. Every nation develops over a period of time but the true development is what is seen ahead of time and which is reflected at the grass root levels of the nation. I can say that none of the South Asian nations (including China & India) are able to achieve this. Nuclear weapons don't feed /educate / cure/ comfort the citizens of a country. They are a liability, if not seen in proper context. As a UK Citizen of Pakistani Origin, you may not see the difference but I have seen Pakistani eateries in Singapore branding themselves as Punjabi, Sindhi or North Indian food stalls – just to avoid the word "Pakistan". I am not sure of other achievements (would like to hear if you've any ) but feeling shame to utter their nation's name is the last thing a citizen can do and clearly that's not an achievement. To give you another example, Greeks have a great history but the present situation doesn't reflect it. Same applies to Pakistan.
Mr Sajjad
i loved your reply very well said.we all pakistani should start loving our country as there no better country than pakistan. our country acheievment are immense.Right now pakistan can only succed if all are united and inshallah we will be………
i have lived seven years in USA and 3 years in jeddah saudi Arabia both experencies were different but at the end of the day some how i use to feel there is discrimination.
All GCC countries which includes saudia arabia, UAE, kuwait, bahrain have a bad human rights record. I have personal experience of living there and experiencing the total disregard of respect for expats in government offices, shops, businesses etc. Im hesistant to even describe what i have seen and really felt the sadness and shock of a human being treated like that. They may be muslims but when it comes down to it its saudi vs non saudi regardless of religion. The kingdom has done for the global muslim community but its track record of exporting extremism and lack of basic rights for its guest workers is dangerous and appaling.
Most of the article is correct not sure about islamic studies curriculum,couldnt agree anymore…
i agree with dr safaraz it is much better in qatar very nice people.
I would happily tell you how it (feeding the madressas) politically perpetuates their grip with the passive connivance of the self serving Uncle Sam
No doubt a very well written article, but Ahmad, I would disagree with a few aspects of it.
1. I agree there is discrimination, but not as much as u have mentioned. since u were based in Riyadh and being a capital city, maybe there was more discrimination back there, but where I live, Jeddah, it’s actually quite normal since the people (Saudis) are more open minded and not as conservative as Riyadh. Therefore, don’t generalize the issue.
2. As for the labor class being treated as ‘sub-human’, do we treat our labor well in our own country? We don’t even use the same utensils to feed them for crying out loud. At least, these guys take their meals in the same boofia (small eatery) where I sometimes go to get sandwiches. Try doing that at a dhaba in Pakistan and see how your friends would react to it.
3. Religion is considered as a fundamental element and considering the sanctity of the land, these guys have to keep it that way. Yes, there are closed door parties equivalent to night club scenes, but imagine this happening out in the open. Let’s also not forget that what happens behind closed doors is a personal matter. Not that I am trying to shield their ills and neither am I in denial, but the fact remains, had things been allowed to happen out in the open, KSA would have been the leader in impudicity and obscenity. Therefore, it has to be contained and kept behind closed doors. Besides, I think a personal act cannot be questioned by any, be it an Islamic cleric or new converts, other than Allah. As for the Hiya (religious police) – in Riyadh, reversing a GMC to tell a woman to adjust her veil is concerned, I don’t think there’s any harm in it. Again, I’m not a conservative person, but let’s not forget the norms and law of the land.
You’ve lived in KSA, seen how things are out here, therefore, this kind of a mindset really doesn’t suit you. We respect and follow laws of any country in the world, but I wonder why laws of KSA become inhuman, immoral, unacceptable, unjust, and mind provoking? I really fail to understand.
I live in Jeddah and I completed agree with everything he as said! Discrimination is Discrimination dosn't matter if it is less or more!
I agree. The poor blue collar workers from all countries are treated badly, and the ill treatment is not just directed to Pakistani laborers. It has nothing to do with being Muslims or Islamic state. Injustice and ill treatment occurs towards the poor everywhere to a lesser or greater extent and is not just a Saudi phenomenon.
Absolutely right.
Ali,
Laws are supposed to protect weak, prevent injustices and therefore obviously and inherently are based on universally accepted principles of equality of each person regardless of whether they are rich or poor or whether they are local or expats. If the laws discriminate then it becomes a terrible society.
Ali,perhaps you have no idea about Human Rights and freedom and respect and dignity. Perhaps these words sound foreign to you. Please educate yourself just from the Quranic perspective and see what Allah has to say about treatment of each other, rich or poor, labour or officer, brown or black or white. Saudi has bad laws against all non-Saudis including non Saudi msulims, and is a bad example of a so called Muslim Country. I would rather live in Turkey or Malaysia!!! Yes there is no kabah but nore Islamic values over there!!!
Ali, I agree with you. Pakistanis are discriminated and humiliated in every country of the world. I have lived in United States, Iran and Pakistan and also visited Saudi Arabia. Pakistani citizen is humiliated in all of these countries including Pakistan. In United States it's a polite kind of discrimination and in other three countries it's very harsh. The worst is in Pakistan. I personally fear to go to Pakistani Embassy even to renew Passport. We are treated like an enemy country citizen. Similarly all the government departments in Pakistan. One is treated like slave even after paying bribe. We should start reforms at home and change The KALA SAHIB culture. WHEN WE'LL HAVE RESPECT AT HOME WE WILL BE RESPECTED IN EVERY COUNTRY OF THE WORLD.
Every society have their drawbacks. Thank Allah Subhan Kareem in these hard economic times people are somewhat employed in Saudi Arabia. Pressure id off Pakistan.
Great article on a very sensitive issue. Many Pakistanis who have never been there have very holistic image of Saudis while in fact it is not so very often. We are facing such problems in other Gulf countries as well but our Government can do nothing in this respect because we are weak at our home country. If we eradicate corruption from our society, it can be so prosperous that we need not to go to other countries for employment. Even if our fellow citizens would choose to serve in other countries, they will do so with honur and respect and the Government would be strong enough to lodge protests and take remedial actions for any manhandling of Pakistanis.
The problem is not with Saudi Arab. It is their choice, how they want to run their country and treat "guest worker". If they treat too well, they will be flooded with guest worker and if they do not their economy will be hit badly without sufficient man-power.
The blame for the suffering of the non-Arab workers lies in their "home" country. Why can't we provide job opportunity to our boys (and girls) at home? Why should they be economically forced to migrate?
EXACTLY saudi is for saudis
Yes, then you guys have to role your sleeves up and get on with the realities of work!!
Wrong Saudi is not only for saudis! Just because one is born is Saudi has got the right to insult, humiliate or treat some one badly who is not born in Saudi… To prevent this attitude Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated in the last sermon " No arab is superior to a non arab, no non arab is superior to an arab only one who is more taqwa (piety) is superior in the eyes of Allah swt."
Hello Ameen,
i am not agreed with the whole part of the article, specially about the islamic studies. BUT one thing for sure i have found here is the huge sign of discrimination and the way the saudis (mostly, you may be the odd one and i also know few odds) treat expats (and am not talking about the labours) even the one who are here on executive positions, is disappointing.
And i am also completely agreed with the writer about the confusion in the saudi society about pretending themselves as true muslims. If you really are than why you give priority to the ones who carries a US/UK passports? why give priority to all the foreigners over the Muslims who are equally or more qualified and talented? this is the wide and clean example of discrimination here in saudi culture.
Also if we expats are here, are not only because we chose to come, its also because KSA needs skill-full people to run the country. And its a two way thing, its not only because we want to come here. And if KSA needs us, than in return we also expect to have basic human rites for us. and that you cannot hide behind "guest workers limited rights" excuse.
Dear Mr.Ahmed, i read the article very meticulously and have written very truely. Nothing left everything has been completely written. I am an experienced person. This is not only to Pakistanis even if you asked Indian Muslims (especially Keralites) they definitely tell you horrible stories. Hats off to you.
Several years ago, I was traveling from US to Delhi via Dubai. At Dubai airport, I chatted with a farm worker (an Indian Muslim) who told of extremely hard work conditions: he was made to work 7 days a week starting at 4am and often till late. The punishments for mistakes were severe. The money he made was ok but I wouldn't call it a fortune. I still remember about that person and the years of his life that were taken away from him. It was quite sad. I wish our governments will stand up to this tyranny of Arab nations.
The horrible treatment of foreign workers by Saudis and Saudi government is well known to everybody in the world. But the foreign workers keep going to Saudi Arabia for economic reasons. Lack of job opportunities and low wages in their own countries is the culprit. Foreign countries cannot do anything to Saudi Arabia for fear of resentment of Saudi government. The real solution lies in improving job opportunities for workers in workers' own countries, but this will not be possible so long as the corruption and incompetency continues in the workers' own countries.
I absolutely agree with Alvi. The governments in East Asia beg Saudi government to hire their workers. I know, in case of Pakistan, if these labourers stop sending money to Pakistan it would be hard for Pakistan to run its day-to-day affairs. Lets face the reality, Expats from these countries are not invited as guests in Saudi Arabia rather they opt to go and most of these workers are aware of the working conditions in Kingdom. It is the choice – bad or good – with its own consequences.
I agree, the solution is, we should, atleast improve our(India /Pakistan) economic state of affairs. So that no one should opt to go Saudi Arabia. But I wounder, where is those all very glamours word about Islam. no discrimination, universal brotherhood, religion of peace & equality, high moral and internal values? So it is discrimination between rich and poor religions are all same..
A real picture has been brought by you especially when narrating the hypocrisy of monarchy.
The writer is right in his observations. I had friend who was an architect, he was sent to Saudi Arabia to do a project he took a few white american staff with him. Upon arrival he went to the department to see the man in charge he instead of meeting him took the white men into his office, not realizing that who was the architect! The same friend experienced that at prayer time they would not ask the south asian to pray with them. They are arrogant it will eventually hurt them for belittling other human beings. Yes Pakistan finds itself between a rock and a hard place. The Saudis do not help Pakistan anymore except export radical brand Islam to Pakistan. The manifestation of all that obvious in Pakistan.We are to blame for not having run our country better. All the countries who came into being 60 odd years ago have gone to the next level of wealth and industrialization creating jobs at home. Till we educate our mass we will remain a improvised nation, sending its sons to toil under inhuman in other countries, its educated to the west.
I dont know about Saudi but I live in Dubai and the condition of laborers over there can only be described as human abuse and pathetic. I heard things are same in all other Arab countries. The mantra of thinking one's race superior runs deep in every race but honestly superior is he who achieved something and conquered the moon and stars. Pakistanis alwasy think in terms of religion and since Saudi is a Muslim country they tend not to say anything about them but concoct stories about yahud 'O nahud.
Its a complete article with counter arguments mentioned as well. This blog gives the exact representation of the dilemma faced by Pakistanis in Gulf Countries. I completely agree.
Should have made at least a passing mention of the inherent fawning over the white-man in there somewhere.
A very good article on an important subject otherwise…
Very nice article… I am wonder being an Indian what is the fate of Indians especially Hindu's working on that country.??
I have worked in Saudi. Answer to your question : Equally bad.
Middle East discriminated their Muslim brothers from up till bottom. They have no rights and cant even think of raising their voices. Our religion teach us brotherhood with our fellow Muslim brothers , however, when it comes to practice , no one follows it.
I like this line especially "Pakistanis like to criticise Europe’s hostility to immigrants but the anti-immigration feeling in Saudi Arabia is deeply toxic and yet it is never scrutinised"
Definitely, our media must highlight the other side of the picture which is full of dirt and grunge. So that we must and need to think before we criticize west or other non-Muslim countries.
As a Saudi, I agree with you that expats are treated mostly in a bad way .. I will not , however, agree with you on the "sub-humans" and "commodity" part, it think that's a gross exaggeration . also describing saudi islamic studies curriculums as "barbaric" is outrages and deeply offensive . The bottom line is that many Pakistanis CHOOSE to come to Saudi Arabia and work their knowing that their rights as " guest workers" are limited ! that's something to think about !
I have to tell you some thing Mr. Ameen Bin,
I am a Buddhist by faith. We have a worker for whole year to look after our agricultural feild. I was than 4-5 years toddler. The worker was a Muslim peasant. We call him Uncle. His wish is to perform Haj. My Grand Mother had arranged his (expancess) journy to Macca. by ship. When he came back we asked him what about his jouny and story. What he than told us is , from the prot to the main city there are many people sitting on the both side of the raod for money and most of the saudis were baggers and lives with the donation the received during Haj.
aaand you're point is ?
so basically what you're saying is that it's fine for you and your kin to exploit the poverty and desperation of people in need? it's not much of a choice when you need to feed your family and your own country is unfortunately unable to provide you with the opportunity. and you're disagreeing with the 'sub human' part doesn't change the fact that it's true. but then again our definitions of sub human treatment probably differ, I'm surprised a saudi is even familiar with the word.
great Ali Raza
Ameen bin. KSA has oil, Mecca and Medina. The rest of what is has is hardly worth mentioning. The Iraqi Arabs are far more cultured than than the half cultured Saudis. That so called superiority complex is nothing but to mask the inferiority complex of the camel to cadillac man.
Q Ameen "rights as guest workers are limited" you said it bro. This is exactly what the article is talking about what you are describing as limited rights is actually denial of human rights. Only a few decades back Saudi was surviving on cash aid from Nizam Hyderabad of India but no Saudi were even then treated badly by Indians. You can still find Arab colony in Hyderabad Deccan.
And you think that when Saudis go overseas for visits or to study – they should be treated with more respect then the saudis treat outsiders ?
Excellent piece!!
Capitalism always gives me butterflies in the stomach, ones with steel tipped wings.
Much more needs to be said and done on this subject than many here would be willing to say and do….
What right my friend? When you are in conservative kingdom and a foreigner forget about your human rights even. They applied the rule of not working after 12 pm to 4 pm in July. Weather in June was burning. Most of the construction projects are in open desert areas where you can't even find water when it comes for drinking water. Rights here are all invoked even from the authorities who are here to keep eye on it.
Islamic country because Makkah and Madina are here. There are sinners in Makkah and Madina too. Just live and work till your body is packed in box to deliver back home.
A very emotive, and well elobrated article about plight of our brothers in a muslim country. Their beudoiun mentality will never change in next hundred years. And Mullah's give edict on any issue but will never speak against Malik(king and family), I never understood such version of islam..
Mr Khalid, you have not cited a single incident of ill treatment with references in your article. Please provide us with facts to support your arguments. I am not in denial about the ill treatment of expats by Saudis, but please provide us with a few real accounts of such incidents, so that people in Pakistan have first hand knowledge about it and they think twice before leaving their own country to work in ME.
Mr. Nadeem, you want facts, you cannot handle the facts!
Very brave article. It is very true that the present problems in Pakistan are not due to India or Israel or even USA. Saudi family is indulging the worst form of colonisation buy spreading a very dangerous ideology in Pakistan. Saudi is using Pakistanis as hired guns to do their job. By the way who gave Al Sauds the divine right to be kings? Its a shame that the center of Islam is so highly undemocratic. Pakistan cannot be stable unless it is free from Saudi influence and thats a tough call!!
I do agree with Sharma's analysis. "Pakistan cannot be stable unless it is free from Saudi influence and thats a tough call!".
The horrible treatment of foreign workers by Saudis and Saudi government is well known to everybody in the world.
Finally! An honest review of Pak-Saudi ties! Kudos to you sir!
i totally agree with you and keep on talking the same things to my friends albiet not so eloquently. I hope we in Pakistan stop revering Saudi Govt. To me root cause of current world problems from Islam origniate from this Saudi thinking
Nice and thought provoking article. Agree with the ill treatment of expats in Saudi, been there, experienced that. Also agree that life is still better than Pak and so is the pay, so I'd still opt for that. Also, with regards to history, I've heard this was not always the case in Saudi Arabia. At one point in time, buying Saudi nationality was real easy and people used to think twice before spending 5 Riyals for the form because it was just dust and sand. Then the Pakistanis and other expats started taking advantage of the hospitality of the Saudis and from then onwards things changed. Now its locals first, expats, especially Indian Pakistanis, last.
A Saying of Mola Ali " money and power does not change you but brings out the real self of yours"
They did not had anything back then so now they are showing there true color
Very true..
A nice article..