Expatriates control livestock market in Eastern Province
Arab News
09 October 2010


DAMMAM: Saudi cattle traders have complained about the monopolization of the cattle market by expatriates in Dammam and Alkhobar and called on authorities to put an end to this domination.

They told Arab News that the market is almost void of Saudi youths and that foreign workers are tightening their grip.

"The Saudi youths have opted to stay out of the cattle market either because of the domination of foreigners or because it's hard to make a good profit," said one cattle trader, who did not want his name to be published.

They said expatriates have not only controlled the trade, but they also fix the prices throughout the year, especially during peak seasons.

"The majority of foreigners in the livestock market are not qualified animal traders and many of them are either without iqamas (residence permits) or not working for their original sponsors," one dealer added.

Mubarak Abdullah Al-Arji, a Saudi owner of a trading establishment specializing in livestock, said the domination of foreigners in the livestock market has been going on for a very long time and called for an immediate stop to it.

"Saudis represent about only 10 percent of the workers in the 400 stalls at the livestock market," he said.

Al-Arji said when he was trying to set up his establishment he faced many difficulties, including securing a visible space in the market. "The foreigners are controlling all the best places and are actually deciding prices," he added.

He asked passport police and the municipality to conduct continuous raids of the market to root out foreigners illegally staying in the country as well as those not working for their original sponsors.

"The foreigners are even securing contracts with a number of government departments and retailers to supply them with livestock or meat," he said.

Al-Arji said the importers' prices are far less than the tariffs set by foreigners working in the livestock market.

"The meat sector is vital and therefore authorities need to intervene to regulate it and end foreign control," he said. He added that if properly organized, this sector would provide enough working opportunities for Saudi youths.

Mukhlad Al-Mitairi, owner of a cattle stall at the livestock market, claimed foreigners are behind the hikes in animal prices during peak seasons.

He also criticized Saudis who prefer to deal with foreigners when buying livestock, as they often wrongly believe that prices asked by Saudi traders are much higher.

He called for appointing a sheikh (chief) for the market -- a practice adopted by other marketplaces, and said such a step would benefit consumers.

He expressed surprise over the absence of Saudi youths in the business and claimed they could make a good income.

Al-Mitairi said many of the expatriates working in the livestock market have made fortunes and are now running their own business. "Shortly after entering the market, many foreigners will buy a truck and start trading animals in various parts of the region," he said. He appealed to the authorities to listen to the complaints of Saudi traders.

By FAIZ AL-MAZROUIE

© Arab News 2010

News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20101007031327/US%20agricultural%20delegation%20explores%20new%20avenues%20of%20trade%20in%20Saudi%20Arabia