Lets imagine Muhammad, who is from an XYZ country, has arrived in Saudi Arabia to work. His arrival proves one thing definitely, that he had to sign a contract with a Saudi company in order to land in the Kingdom to work.

 

Muhammad’s elation had no bounds as he got what he had hoped for. He realized that with this job, he finally would be able to improve the living condition of his family back in his country when he would begin to transfer a percentage of his salary to his family.

 

Muhammad's family, in turn, was dreaming; now that their son has got work in a rich country, their situation was sure to improve soon when their son starts work in Saudi Arabia and begins to transfer some portion of his salary every month.

In order to realize their hopes and aspirations and to settle into the work rhythm without much hassle, Muhammad borrowed some money back home to get a head start. With the money he had borrowed he hopes to get household items, initial tiding-over amount and also manage to arrange for accommodation in Saudi Arabia soon after he arrives.

 

In order to build a better future, a family is willing to take a risk in the present by borrowing money, either from friends or family or by pawning family valuables. Muhammad’s mother did just that; she sold her last piece of jewelry, a golden necklace, which is, however, not much to help her son.

 

The son arrives in Saudi Arabia and starts working in the new company and, at the end of the month, Muhammad’s hope of getting his wages are dashed. He is told that he will not receive his salary on time, as the company has some financial issues with the bank.

 

Muhammad believes them. He calls his family to inform them that he will not be sending anything this month. He continues to work diligently and again is eagerly hoping to be paid at the end of the 2nd month. But again it is the same story with a different excuse.

 

Now he is feeling the heat because his family is expecting some money and he cannot deliver. He starts searching for a part time job, in addition to his contracted work, so he could pay for his living expenses in Saudi Arabia. The third month is a repeat of the first two months with him getting not paid. The saga continues for the fourth and fifth and sixth month.

 

Not knowing what to do and ignorant about his rights, Muhammad continues to work in his job, in addition to two other part time jobs, under the promise that he will get paid some day.

 

This story is no fiction. This reality happens in many places with many expatriate and Saudi workers caught in the web of lies, and as a consequence, suffer as do their families.

 

In a recently published story, more than 190 expatriate and Saudi workers working in a contracting company in Yanbu did not receive their salaries for five months. To make matters worse, the legal residential permit (Iqama) of 80 percent of the expatriate workers have expired with the company not renewing it.

 

The suffering workers filed 35 complaints to a number of government departments and, not surprisingly, none of these government departments did anything to help these workers. They reached a stage where they were left with no resort except  to beg for food from people, according to the report.

 

Another story of an expat worker, who was not paid for 10 years, is more mind-boggling. According to the report, the expatriate, reduced to abject poverty, was living in difficult conditions and was finally admitted to the social care home where he is now receiving the necessary care.

 

It is not only the workers who are not paid or receive delayed payment. The problem persists with maids, too. They also are not being paid on time, as do the drivers, who are abused and not paid for many months. These are just fresh examples of companies that have decided to say to their workers, sorry you can't get your salary.

 

I have said it before in an article published in February last year and I say it again - delaying a salary should be treated as a crime. I said in that article: “The trend, however small, of companies defaulting on payment, is sending out a negative message about Saudi Arabia. It will damage our reputation as a Kingdom of humanity, especially when it comes to employees’ right, hurt our credibility as a place that values work with just laws and also turn away possible investors with such acts harming our reputation as a favored investment destination.”

 

There is no logic in asking people to work hard, be on time and produce more if their salaries are not paid on time by the end of each month. A company that delays or not pays salaries to its workers should be blacklisted and banned from recruiting expat workers and also be under the administrative and financial supervision of local authorities.

 

Lastly, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Give the laborer his wage before his perspiration dries.” This emphasizes the seriousness of paying people on time. This valuable saying should be on a big board behind each manager’s desk to remind him that people’s lives are not toys to be played with.