Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Salary increase for Kuwaitis

No, I don't have a problem with it.

Had an interesting discussion today that stemmed out of this simple headline. Well, I am not going to get into that, but just going to share my views.

Usually, such a news is followed by a load of complaints/remarks from the EXAPTRIATE's (don't know why they can't just use terms like non-Kuwaitis or foreigners, but whatever), that why give them the raise, how long are you going to pamper them, we do most of the work, we work harder, longer, better - bla bla bla.

I am sure most of us have heard that and perhaps most of us have said that too. Today was refreshing, because today was one of those rare occasions when I encountered another view, similar to mine, being shared by someone.

The statement made was:

"

as for the salary hike for q8is.............hats off to their govt for taking care of their citizens

(Thank you Pride)

My view has always been - Wouldn't one be happy if your government (whatever country it may be) would - write off your loans? give you land to build your house? provide you with social security benefits? see to it that you get a reasonable stipend? etc etc..

Wouldn't you like such a government? Regardless of whatever the governments motive may be. It could be anything from ensuring re-election or keeping your mouth shut or just taking care of citizens.

It is actually very simple, if you have such a big problem with someone else getting paid more than you, or you feel that your contribution is not being recognized, well get up and talk about it.. not to me or your friends, talk to your management. Don't crib about it on a public forum, take it up with your boss.

If one thinks that they can get a better offer elsewhere, well by all means - please take it up. There is nothing wrong with wanting to make more money. If you have the opportunity, why don't you take it? It's not like the companies are practicing bonded-labor over here.

You joined up here because this seemed like a good opportunity. Times change, I agree. What seemed like a good opportunity then, might not seem so good now. Well look for something better. Cribbing about it is definitely not going to help.

Some people don't like the way they are treated by the citizens. hmm. An individual commented, that the citizens treat the non-Kuwaiti employees or staff as their servants. I do feel sorry for such people, but if you behave like one, you are treated like one. If you let people walk all over you, they will. Be it Kuwaitis or non-Kuwaitis.

Dikhaawon pe mat jaao.. apni akal ladaao (bakwaas karne se pehle ek baar soch liya karo - aur ye har baat pe rona dhona band karo.)

Update: Seems like there will be a KD 50 increase for all non-Kuwaitis, working in the public sector, as well.

2 Opinions:

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately , i disagree here Raj.

look at it from this point of view

Kuwait isnt like India, which works hard on its labour force to generate income, like Taxes etc. India doesnt even have too much on expensive natural resources which it can sell worldwide and world would fall at its feet.

here in kuwait, where 60% of the population is made of expats. There are only these things, which would create havoc when events like increments, loans written off etc happens

1. The shitty service in Government centers are still same, no improvements nothing.

2. The Roads are becoming broken and spoilt

3. Putting more liquid money into the nation(not economy) .. would make the currency fall. So for indians means less Rs Value for the KD.

4. Finally if 40% of the nation has more money, that too free from the government, it would create unbalanced inflation, were the remaining 60% would have to work harder to survive.

Personally im not upset, that the locals got benefitted even though some of them dont do any work. I know alot of kuwaitis who work really hard and deserve this.

im only cribbing, but the fact that the next 6 months , life is going to be crazy out here.

L o r d R a j said...

Rayboy, Thanks for your comments.

About the government services, agreed. They aren't the best but from personal experience, far better than what I have experienced else where.

Roads getting worse.. well .. everyone has put up posts about how certain areas being effected.

I really don't see how the locals getting an increment would effect the roads.. but anyways.

less value for the IRS.. now that is actually a very valid point. Of course you would know that there are a lot of factors involved, that would determine the exchange rate.

but why would/should the govt. of Kuwait really be so concerned about that. I mean, it is not the Indians who are going to vote for the government.

What if there was a problem with the Indian economy and the forex rates got even worse.

Would you insist that your employer (in kuwait) pays you a higher salary so you can now send the same amount to India?

Would you expect the Kuwait government to issue an over all increase to all Indians because the exchange rate is messed up and less Rs value for the KD?

If the remaining 60% would have to work harder to survive.. in order to meet the inflation requirements, then it would probably get unfeasible for them to stay in the country or continue under their present employer.

and then.. they will demand a higher salary. Some might get up and leave or look for employment elsewhere. Better prospects, better pay.

There will always be a balance.

one way or another.

BTW, thanks for putting up the part about lots of locals who work hard. Apparently there aren't many people who know this, or I guess they just refuse to believe it.

Thanks again for sharing your views. Appreciate it.

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