Interesting article from the Arabic daily Al-Riyadh, translated by Arab News.

An increasing number of Saudi youths are starting to think about emigrating in order to find jobs, the paper reports. This is a dramatic change from the past, when Saudis who did travel abroad—for study, temporary jobs, or business—all returned home at the expiration of their visas’ periods of validity. But with a perceived lack of opportunity in the country, the grass is looking greener on the other side of the fence.

Of course, this urge to emigrate comes while millions of others are coming into Saudi Arabia to take up the multitude of jobs available. The problem is that the jobs the young Saudis want are not what are available; those that are available are jobs they don’t want.

Frustration of Our Youngsters
Nahid Bashatah, Al-Riyadh

Why do contradictions color every aspect of our life? Why do we pay so much attention to what others say regarding our behavior? And why do we take fatal decisions based on other people’s opinion and then fear the criticism of these very people?

Contradiction is apparent when raising and dealing with our children. They never agree to what has been prohibited or rejected without understanding the reason first. Then suddenly they become adults and become resistant to society’s traditions and customs.

Usually we do not find an answer to why any issue is forbidden or prohibited, except the fact that the thing in question is not liked or accepted by society. This may be the case even though religion may be fine with the issue. It is true that we need to teach our children to respect our culture, but the problem arises when, instead of just respecting culture, we begin to worship it. It means that individuals become a force that prevents human beings from living their lives freely as granted to them by a balanced and well-organized religion.

Recently, I read a report in a local magazine discussing the immigration of Arab youth to foreign countries. What attracted me the most is that there are citizens in the Kingdom who would like to emigrate. From what I know, the main reason for emigration is to earn a living and improve one’s income and future.
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