Painful decision for Egyptians to leave Saudi Arabia

CAIRO/JEDDAH — Many Egyptians are leaving Saudi Arabia with a lot of memories.

Egyptians community is one of the largest expatriates’ communities in Saudi Arabia.

Those who lived for many years in Saudi Arabia believe that leaving the Kingdom is the toughest decision that they’ve ever made as they consider it their second home.

Ahmed Abdullatif, 29-year-old Egyptian expatriate, who was born and raised in Jeddah, is leaving because he cannot find another job.

“Saudi Arabia is my home, I was born here, I’m living here for over 29 years, it’s the toughest decision ever for me, but unfortunately I have no options. I was terminated from my job I cannot afford my daily expenses, and it’s not easy to find another job, so I’m forced to leave Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Nour Emam, 37-year-old Egyptian who lived in Jeddah since her early ages, felt emotional that she is left Saudi Arabia as she called it a piece of her heart.

“I just left Saudi couple months ago. Yes I love Egypt so much, but Saudi Arabia is also a pieces of my heart. I lived there for 37 years. I know each inch of Jeddah like the back of my hand. I lived there since I was 3 years old. I went to the school and university there. I also met my husband there,” said Nour.

Khaled Saad, 45-year-old Egyptian expatriate, who is willing to leave Saudi Arabia this summer, said, “I’m soon leaving Jeddah and going back to Cairo. The majority of the Egyptians I know have already left Saudi Arabia.”

Khaled lived in Jeddah for more than 20 years,

“My children are sad that they are going to leave their schools and friends,” said Khaled.