FROM THE INBOX
Pinoys in Dubai: The other side
More than once, I have mentioned that the movie "DUBAI" which starred Aga, Claudine and John Lloyd is one I most considered to be "sinungaling" and would be blamed for the number of Pinoys coming to the UAE. Nope, this is not going to be a movie review. Because of how the movie showed the "beautiful Dubai", you can't blame Pinoys (OK! That includes the gullible me only... well, that's another story for another time!) to dream and make it big time in this non-tax country. In fairness to the movie (I'm a fan of John Lloyd, for your info!), I would like to believe that it was a love-triangle-story only having the plot taken in Dubai but to speak that it shows life of our Pinoys here in Dubai... mmmhh...
I am a newbie here in the UAE. I came about eight months ago carrying with me, my visit visa and "hope" that this is it -- an answer to my prayer of blessings to solve our financial problems. Or is it?
For the past eight months, I have seen how phase of life in the UAE could change fast and I mean, real FAST. I would like to consider myself lucky enough to be able to find a job soon after almost a month of my stay (though, I'm now in my second job!) if I hadn't, I would never know how I will be able to live and survive here and as well as my family back home who depends on me, too. Earning a meager income that goes almost instantly to room rent, water, electricity, food and remittance to Pinas, I'm left with just enough for my daily transportation and rewarding myself with some luxury of eating shawarma with friends comes pay day. I have even discovered and appreciated the benefits of WALKING through my 30-45 minutes almost-daily routine of being on foot from office to home (YES! to that save precious Dirham...).
And that to think I was able to find work in less than my two-month stay. Now, imagine coming here and finding none for months? Aside from rent, water, food, etc. let me remind you that one who comes here needs to exit once the visit visa expires after two months. One exit is more often expected. Twice, can be acceptable. Thrice, can't imagine and more than that?! No wonder, a lot of stories goes around about Filipinos in exit going crazy or taking their lives, etc. in Kish, etc. and I have to sadly admit that mostly, they are true. Going to exit could actually be fun especially if it's company sponsored and some even take it as a break from work but what if you're the one paying for your visa and ticket? And knowing that there's still no work waiting for you? I'm just thankful to God I don't have to go thru these but unfortunately, a lot of our kababayans do.
UAE is rich and there are really Filipinos who made good in this country. Few years ago, the opportunity of finding a good-paying job, they say, is huge but it changed when people including Pinoys started to flock the Emirates. Because of the increase in the population of visit visas, employers somehow took advantage of them and would either offer one with low salary or at worst, will not offer you any visa at all. And since it's "kapit sa patalim" -- they would grab this offer just to have something for their basic needs.
But what's so sad is knowing that most of these Filipinos are degree holders. I'm most affected to learn that some of these are even teachers who would take house maid jobs! I have nothing against being a maid (I am even looking for a cleaner part-time job!) but it's the thought of knowing we lack teachers back home, they - TEACHERS are needed in Pinas! I mean, fine with me, a sales person -- I'm better off here and be able to help the country through my meager remittance but a teacher as a house maid or as a waitress?! Hello Authorities in Government?
I'm writing this not to discourage those who hope to come in the UAE because you'll really never know your fate till you come here. I only speak of my personal experience and observations.
Still, it's all up to you. You still decide for yourself. It's still your take.
So, welcome to the UAE, Kabayan?
(Next: Pinays in Dubai: How much?)