Wasta or wāsita is an Arabic word that loosely translates into nepotism or 'clout'. It refers to using one's connections and/or influence to get one's way, usually in governmental matters such as preferential treatment in expedited document-issuing, visa approval, waiving of fines or misdemeanor charges and similar corrupt practices. The term is also extended to cronyism and nepotism in allotment of public sector jobs.
In other words, wasta constitutes a form of favoritism, or what is informally spoken of in English as "pull" from connections (the opposite of "push"). The English word cronyism overlaps in meaning but is not precisely the same. Roughly equivalent words in other languages include sociolismo in Cuba; blat in Russia; guanxi in Chinese and Vetternwirtschaft in German, protektzia in Israeli slang, Spanish; Castilian: un pituto in Chilean Spanish. In Brazilian-Portuguese it is referred to as "pistolão", "QI" (Quem Indica, or Who Indicates), or in the slang "peixada", "Pidi Padu" in Malayalam language spoken region of India, "arka" or "destek" or "torpil" in Turkish, "plecy" in Polish, "štela" in Bosnian,"veza" in Serbian "Piston" in French.
Wasta is derived from the Modern Standard Arabic word which can mean medium, means but also personal connection used to gain something.[1]
Furthermore, companies in the Middle East rarely have a 'no-nepotism' policy in place, so one can often find a workforce made up of friends and relatives who may or may not be qualified. This takes place in both the public and private sectors.
In many Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran, Oman, Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Jordan wasta affects hiring and promotion decisions. This is not restricted to nationals but is also practised by expatriates who use their connections as wastas.
With respect to recruitment, there seems to be a movement away from this wasta, especially in the case of multinationals and professional firms. However, wasta is still widely used in the region.