Question concerning expats and the economy

[Valerie5555]

Did anyone wonder how many people had to expatriate themselves to Saudi Arabia since they couldn't find work in the * economy.

[LittleApple81]

1. Saudis have always paid extremely well. And the compounds offer

a lot of amenities. Plus expats get trips home and (if I am not mistaken) twice/yearly vacations for themselves and family... If you are not killed (which didn't happen before) it is not a bad deal at all: no taxes there, tax exemptions here...

[Valerie5555]

2. I know for I asked a question earlier on tonight about the "elaborateness"

of the "expatriate enclaves," in Saudi Arabia and I would imagine they are as elaborate as they say.


Am sure it would also be a good deal if you're not taken hostage as well. In terms of being taken hostage, maybe that wouldn't be as bad if your country had an ambassador that caused expats to have a reverse "Stockholm Syndrome" reaction or one where hostages develop fond feelings towards those who were trying to GET THEM RELEASED by means of DIPLOMACY and NEGOTIATION.

[Wwagsthedog]

3. According to Craig Unger's book, "House of Bush House of Saud"

there were approximatelly 7 million found by a Cornell study from a couple of years ago. They comprise of many nationalitities including, of course, a few thousand Americans, most of whom work in the oil business in professional or skilled positions.

[Valerie5555]

4. Though there were Canadian expats in Saudi, heard on the news tonight

there were none among the hostages.

[Wwagsthedog]

5. Yes, there are a lot of Canadians and Brits in the mixat Saudi Aramco. nt