Maybe You Should Worry

Are you with or against localization? Qatarization, just like any other debatable topic, has two sides opposing each other. It certainly does serve many benefits for Qataris, but has wicked outcomes for non-Qataris working in the state of Qatar. I define qatarization as giving Qatari individuals in the workforce privilege in employment, leadership and management roles, the benefit of higher salaries alongside bonuses and more investment in training and mentorship. Correspondingly, internationals will have to be asked out of work to free the space of a Qatari. Therefore, does Qatarization define racism? Or is this the way a country should be operating?

Internationals may believe that Qatarization is racism. Their rights and security is being violated because of their nationality, rather than their performance. Ben Johnson, a postgraduate from Georgetown's school of Foreign Service defines it as discrimination. He says, “[a]lthough this  discrimination begins with the unskilled laborers, in practice highly skilled Asian workers experience discrimination as well, regardless of their professional or socioeconomic status.” International employees are being discriminated because Qataris have an advantage over them as Qataris fund the National Vision 2030 for Qatar. International employees can lose their job and asked to leave the country in order to give the position for a local. The issue is due to nationalities, not profession and skills. Therefore, Qatarization is reasonable to be classified as a racist issue.

There is more to the issue, however, a country must favor its citizens over international residents. Favoring and giving advantage to citizens decreases the unemployment rate of the country, which helps the economy. Referring to the Qatar National Vision of 2030, one goal is to have a diversification in the participation of Qataris in the workforce alongside an increase in the number of Qatari employees. In order to accomplish the vision, international residents must be asked to leave. The residents are not asked to leave within a day or two, they are informed a while ahead in order to give them time to look for a new job and to plan their future. Qatar is responsible for its citizens, which explains why I would favor them over residents. In addition to so, Qatarization is the path to increasing local capacity in all sectors and discipline. Investing in citizens through knowledge by preparing training and willing to mentor is beneficial for the long term. Part of the 2030 National Vision is to have a country operating on education and knowledge rather than depending primarily on natural resources. Therefore, it is evident that Qataris are a better choice to invest in, as they are more likely to live the rest in their life in Qatar.

Making Productivity A Priority

The issue of Qatarization should not be classified as racism. Personally, my mother is a Qatari working in a governmental cooperation in Qatar. She has over 23 years of experience in the workforce. However, the previous manager over her was an international resident that did not have expertise more than she does. He had an issue and decided to leave the country, keeping his job empty. This example shows that the country should not depend on residents as they have other responsibilities in other countries. Henceforth, it is more realistic to give leadership and management roles to Qataris.

Every country should favor its citizens over its residents. It should treat everyone with respect, and give the right of security to every person living within it. Residents should not be asked to leave before their contract is over. However, residents should not be favored over citizens. In the long run, it is more realistic to say that Qataris will remain in Qatar more than residents. Therefore, investing in them is a better choice.