They laid off some expats, one of who was truly excellent, because said employees had a morale problem. Management decided it would be easier to just outsource. A year and a half later, they are bringing in valuable people from other areas (that really can't spare them) to keep the function going internally.
Outsourcing only makes sense if you have clearly defined inputs and outputs and good communication. Anybody who thinks this exists anywhere at Aramco is crazy. Every day, there are unrecognized employees who sort out Aramco dysfunctional mess by doing way more than they are being given credit for doing. Morale is low because their efforts aren't even being acknowledged let alone rewarded, and management thinks the solution to this is outsourcing. If you think that packing up and moving half way around the world to work in this kind of environment is a good idea, all I can do is shake my head and wish you good luck.
Bumped from @2ibh+1fmLAF07.