Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi

A Pakistani engineer I met in the Islamic Center of Eugene, Oregon, during my studies in the United States, told me about his experience in the Kingdom. In 20 years living with his family among us, they had not been invited to any Saudi home. After only three months in the US, they had many American friends, neighbors and colleagues, who made them feel at home. 



It hit me, then, that even though we are proud of our traditional Arab hospitality, our guest workers do not feel welcome at all. Many more friends, Arabs and Muslims included, have relayed similar complaints. Western and Asian expatriates are the most neglected. I can understand that there is a language and culture barrier, but that doesn’t even come close to explaining the arrogant way that we treat our guests.



After publishing my article “Viruses of racism and intolerance: How sickening!” (Mar 12), I received many emails from expats telling sad stories. Their experiences are disheartening. Almost all complained that they have not been able to make Saudi friends during their stay in the Kingdom. Some reported mistreatment. A number of Saudis joined in with an admission of guilt and a call for a correction of behavior and attitude. 



By the way, I should explain that the Imam’s sermon in the article was actually all against racism. He started with a shocking statement about not accepting non-Saudis in the mosque to grab the attention of his listeners, but then went on to explain that this was what many Saudis really felt and practiced in their treatment of foreigners. 



Here are some samples of the messages I received.



• “True, even Arab intellectuals carry racial feelings. It has been woven into the social fabric to the extent that all menial work is a strict no-no for them because it will make them seem inferior. No society has the right to deride others, or to treat them as inferior and hold the belief that people from a particular place are meant to do lowly jobs.” Safi H. Jannaty



• “The situation in Saudi Arabia saddens me. Everything in life revolves around respect, and respect is not what the expats in Saudi Arabia are given regardless of their position and achievements.” Ben Maas



• “I am taken aback at the school system here that is mostly established on the lines of country of origin. Racism could be challenged much more if we could break down the barriers within the 'separated' schools and, to begin with, if they worked more on joint educational projects. Hopefully, students would learn about each other’s cultures, sharing values and tackling racism and misconceptions.” Ramon Mohamed



• “Recently, when I inquired about the reason for turning down my application for a visitor’s visa for my mother, the officer thought it absolutely not necessary even to give me a look or a nod, as if I were a statue. Day in and day out, we see such attitudes at airports, passport offices, labor courts, traffic police departments, etc, where the poor expatriates, especially from the subcontinent, are insulted and humiliated.” Anonymous



• “Your article was forwarded to me by an Indian Muslim in Dallas, Texas. I am originally from Yemen and I hate to tell you that we are also mistreated in Gulf countries. I have always respected and loved the educated segment of Saudi society who really are suffering because of their enlightened views.” Tarek



• “People who believe and follow Islamic teachings would never be racist or intolerant. Unfortunately, many people in all walks of life have had bitter experiences; this 'virus' should be eradicated. Intellectuals should confront and fight against these vices.” Abdul Latief



• “Before I read your article today, I always wondered if I would ever meet a Saudi before I left this country who was not biased and racist.” Tanvir



• “The corrupt ideology of racism which has been passed on from one generation to the other for centuries has to change. Only if we educate our children can we expect a positive change, or else the situation will go from bad to worse. I hope the government realizes the gravity of the situation and takes effective measures to address it.” Fareed Sardar Khan 



• “This is what is going on these days: We have somehow come to feel we are a superior race. It is against humanity, let alone religion. It is time to accept reality and look in the mirror for the inner discrimination. Eradicate the evil now before it gets too late!” N. R.



• “We need to remove this ego of thinking that we are superior to other races. Allah created all equal.” Abdullah Beik



• “The only solution to this problem is to educate our kids and every family member to respect the other, irrespective of his nationality, religion or relations. Domestic workers should be held in high regard and be given kind treatment, like our Prophet (peace be upon him) teaches us to do. Change begins at home.” A. Ghouse



To help celebrate our expat communities and make them feel at home, we, in the International Relations Committee in the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, are organizing an annual “Festival of Nations” event. Guest communities will be invited to exhibit their culture and heritage during a three-day event.



In addition, our concerned members have designed a number of projects to improve the experience of our guests and their relations with the local community, which I will tell you about in my next article. Much more is needed, but we hope to lead the way with such gestures and initiatives. Your comments, suggestions, and prayers, are most welcome, dear readers.

— Dr. Khaled Batarfi is a Saudi writer based in Jeddah. He can be reached at: Kbatarfi@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kbatarfi