I guess this could apply to many government agencies around the world.
When smiling is compulsory!
Last updated: Sunday, January 18, 2015 5:31 PM
Mahmoud Ahmad
Early last week, I had to visit a number of government branches in Jeddah to renew some permits and complete other official paperwork. I consider visiting any government department as punishment not only because of the procedures but most of the time the treatment. Although the authorities are working hard on facilitating procedures by introducing online services there is still a need for us to visit the branches to get work done. And facing a government employee itself is punishment enough most of the time because they not only take time to complete the process, but nearly always greet us with a frown or an angry face.
This time around was no different. I went to the front desk to seek information about where I should go to submit my papers and was greeted by a sullen face. I looked at the man and I squeezed my memory to see whether I had taken money from him or had killed a member of his family. Without allowing me to complete my question he just shouted at me to go to the far office on the left. When I still stood there and asked him “to whom should I give the papers”, he looked at me angrily as if I was an imbecile and just ignored my question.
Continue reading at:
Ft4 Good Morning Saudi Gazette
When smiling is compulsory!
Last updated: Sunday, January 18, 2015 5:31 PM
Mahmoud Ahmad
Early last week, I had to visit a number of government branches in Jeddah to renew some permits and complete other official paperwork. I consider visiting any government department as punishment not only because of the procedures but most of the time the treatment. Although the authorities are working hard on facilitating procedures by introducing online services there is still a need for us to visit the branches to get work done. And facing a government employee itself is punishment enough most of the time because they not only take time to complete the process, but nearly always greet us with a frown or an angry face.
This time around was no different. I went to the front desk to seek information about where I should go to submit my papers and was greeted by a sullen face. I looked at the man and I squeezed my memory to see whether I had taken money from him or had killed a member of his family. Without allowing me to complete my question he just shouted at me to go to the far office on the left. When I still stood there and asked him “to whom should I give the papers”, he looked at me angrily as if I was an imbecile and just ignored my question.
Continue reading at:
Ft4 Good Morning Saudi Gazette
