Saudi Arabia: 'We will not renew work permits for 1.5million Egyptian workers'

"... Fakieh's statement coincided with the departure of an Egyptian popular diplomacy delegation to Iran, thus raising some suspicions that it was an indirect attempt by Saudi Arabia to pressure Egypt not to restore normal bilateral relations or full ambassadorial representation with Iran, a step that clearly disturbs Saudi Arabia.... 

Saudi Arabia has the right to formulate its employment policy according to its national interests. Fakieh highlighted that there are currently 500,000 unemployed Saudis ... Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia can safeguard its legitimate national interests without harming Egyptian or other Arab workers. It should also take into account its legal obligations, as it is a member of the Arab League and the Arab Labor Organization.... 

Egypt, likewise, has the right to formulate its foreign policy according to its own national interests. The normalization of relations with Iran is intended to correct past mistakes that were committed by both sides. It does not mean Egypt would adopt Iran’s foreign policy or support its international positions. It only means we will consider ways to overcome differences, alleviate crises in the region and expand the scope of our common interests. Moreover, it's unreasonable for Gulf countries, who have diplomatic and commercial ties with Iran, to request that Egypt not rush to normalizing relations with Iran. Egypt should not accept such extortion."