Have GCC countries taken cheap labour for granted in the past?
It is definitely fair to say that the GCC has been dependent for too long on cheap labour. Now that skilled labour is more intelligent as well, everybody is aware that he is in demand. It’s no longer a case of countries wanting cheap labour. It has become a market of choice for the labour force. Can a company do more to train its existing work force to fill the gap? There is actually quite a lack of training facilities. Some international companies have set up training camps to try and improve the skill set of their workers. Other firms unfortunately just work on body numbers. Although this does contribute to massive growth, the firms in question are not getting the cream of the crop because they are not paying very well. Which leads us to the minimum wage issue. Would it be a positive step? It’s a matter of incentivisation. For the companies which continue to pay a relatively low wage, the argument is that the wage is subsidised by three square meals a day plus accommodation plus tran
