Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi





During my recent visit to Riyadh, I met with an intellectual friend. Omar followed my recent articles about expats experience in Saudi and had some interesting comments. We had this conversation:

Omar: In Canada, I met a pharmacist who announced: I am from Emirates! “But you don’t speak Arabic, and certainly you don’t look Arab,” I wondered. He explained, “I am Indian but I lived in UAE a couple of years. I felt at home and miss my great experience there. If it wasn’t for my college, I wouldn’t have left.”

Now, tell me, Khaled, how many expats feel that way here?

Me: Not many. Why do you ask?

Omar: Simple: We don’t make them feel at home. I know people who lived here for ages. Some are even in the second or third generation. Still, they are regarded as foreigners no matter how they look, speak, think and feel.

Me: Because of not being able to become citizens?

Omar: That is one. It is a very important issue. I know of families who have Saudi and non-Saudi members. Brothers who were born here and were lucky to get citizenship before the law changed adding harder conditions, and others who were not as lucky.  Now, the family is divided between those who belong and those who don’t. 

In addition, society seems to appreciate personality according to where you come from. Tribal mentality makes even some Saudis feel like outsiders. As soon as you meet, they ask about your origin, region, tribe and family.

The goal of this acute investigation is to find out your worth. Are you originally Arab? If so, are you tribal? And how respected is your tribe and family? On the basis of this investigation, your status is decided.

Now, tell me, how the Indian pharmacist would feel in such environment?

Me: How is it any different in Dubai?

Omar: They are treated there as assets and human resources, just like in Canda. You are as much worth as your contribution and value to the economy, development and society. Your ethnicity makes no much difference, but your certificates and investments do. Yes, it is hard to become a citizen, but still you can live with respect and dignity, and feel a sense of belonging. That for most is good enough. 

Now, here are some comments on the previous article, dear readers:



Does the treatment vary?

“Does treatment differ depending on the rank of the person? Is there a way to challenge wrongdoings of sponsors? The trial the Pakistani engineer has gone through is painful and a promotion is no justice. Simple respect and honor will work great for expats.” Intellectual Mind



Still a 'foreigner'!

“I have spent my whole life here. I was born, raised and completed my education here. Yet, I am still a "foreigner" and have to apply and renew my status every year. Why? Am I a threat? What values are you talking about? The Saudi society as a whole looks down upon expatriates and wants them only to be laborers. The sense of pride and stubbornness is astronomical.” Bilal



Saudi bashing!

“We can all fall into the trap of stereotyping a country and its people and I am sure the article will receive comments sharing personal experiences, both good and bad. I have my own. Saudi Arabia, with its unique history and the oil industry, has ushered many people like us from abroad.

Let's not Saudi-bash but think of ways to improve the relationship.” Ramon Mohamed



Not for petrol!

“Only if every Saudi understands the reasons of being respected, it is their belonging to this sacred and holy land and not the riyals and petrol or gold!” Maria Khan



Teach don’t hate!

“Muslims should consider one another a brother and sister. Arabs are not better. Many don’t consider Bangladeshis as good Muslims because of our "cultured Islam". Well, educate, not hate us!” Mohammad Ruhuzzaman



Shared responsibilities

“Saudis and expats alike must share responsibilities of respecting each other and accepting weaknesses or strengths. Our experience in Saudi Arabia left us wondering how on earth will Saudis progress with their current animosities toward other races.” Nor



Arab angels

“I am an African, my mother ancestors are from here. I always thought that the descendants of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions would regard every Muslim as a brother or sister. Now I found many Saudi youth are proud of just being Saudi.” believer38



Respect

“Retain us if needed, or you send us back. But whatever you do, do it elegantly. Let us help each other and part with sweet memories!” Shafiq Janjua



Bought visa

"I was born here and after 21years returned to my home country with my retired father. Missing Saudi, I came back and had the worst experience of my lifetime. I paid around 20,000 riyals and left in just three months.” Muslim



— Dr. Khaled M Batarfi can be reached at kbatarfi@gmail.com and followed on Twitter: @kbatarfi