One-third of Saudi Arabia’s population are foreigners from all corners of the world. Its workforce is populated by foreigners from countries such as the Philippines. Nonetheless, protecting the rights of these foreign expatriates is necessary to maintain the smooth alliance of their respective countries and Saudi Arabia.
Workers need not to worry about salaries and other benefits as these things are already addressed since the previous years. However, annual vacations are sometimes not included in the benefits acquired by an overseas worker.
A certain Abdunnaser Odungat expressed his concern surrounding the said issue. Odungat worked in Saudi Arabia for many years already. According to him, a huge number of expats stay in GCC countries for approximately 20 to 25 years or even longer. Sad to say, these expats leave their families in their respective countries and live as though they are still bachelors; unable to see their children grow, meet their parents and friends for as little as two years when in fact companies or private employers should have the heart to allow their employees to have an annual vacation.
Saudi Arabia is continuously making the effort to strengthen and improve the protection of rights and values of their beloved foreign workers. As much as possible, they put into consideration the welfare of their guest workers.
As a means of conceiving a humane manner, employers should grant their employees a full month of vacation no matter what the circumstances might be. From labors up to those high-level employees, they should be given fair amount of annual leave and it should not be postponed or delayed.
According to Odungat, ““As a cultured society, this situation (kids living as orphans, wives as widows, both wife and worker in total absence of intimacy) cannot be tolerated, they should have the chance to be with their loved ones at least once in a year. This is the same as shops closing their doors for prayers three or four times a day despite the loss of business. Those businesses or individuals who cannot afford to add such a requirement to the employment contract should not hire employees from outside.”
Because of the competition of several airline companies, airfare tickets were also even sold half their original price. There is no more underlying problem when it comes to the implementation of annual leave for expats. Annual vacation is indeed a mandatory to all!
