I do find that to be something quite pathetic really. I work in HR my self, and everytime I have to explain to someone how he cant change his sponsorship, or he needs an exit permit, I feel really stupid saying it. Even though I am a Qatari, I was raised abroad and so this is the reason why it makes me feel stupid saying such a thing to someone. What is weird though, is that I have spoken to a lot of other locals who feel the same way. The problem is that a lot of the people who actually make these rules do not experience it first hand and so they don't know what it's like, hense they don't end up feeling silly saying it to an expat. I do agree with you all though, that these basic foundations really need to be changed.