A Reason to Leave, A Reason to Live
(the complete and original version of my article published in Ugnayan Magazine, June - September 2008)
The Middle East. The Middle East (ME) is located at the junction of three continents, namely Europe, Asia and Africa.
ME is seen to remain the biggest source of employment for OFW until 2008 with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Israel, Libya, and Jordan generating the most number of new job opportunities, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The region has become the best but keen alternative for Filipinos seeking employment elsewhere. This region is of fundamental importance today because of its vast petroleum reserve, it is also the seat of Islam. Most Middle Eastern countries offer tax-free income.
Years ago, the bulk of Filipinos living and working in the Middle East were construction workers. Today, ME opens up a whole new world for skilled Filipino workers and professionals. The job qualifications may have changed but the number of Filipinos leaving the Philippines to work in the ME continues to boost. Perhaps, this is the biggest concentration of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
The Filipinos possibly comprise one of the biggest cultural assemblies in the Middle East. We, despite the desolate difference from Arabic culture have impressed and marked an important place in the Arabic society. When you go out to a supermarket, you will surprise to see large volume of Filipino products in the Middle East. Even the severity of the weather and difference in religion did not cause discouragement to the Filipino people.
If you are considering working in the region, it is suggested to accustom yourself with the land, its laws, its people and its lifestyles.
Got a Visa? For many Filipinos who want to work in United Arab Emirates (UAE), the easiest and fastest way is by buying a visit visa. They believe that acquiring this kind of visa will ease their sacrifices in finding a job in this developed country. The idea is to obtain an employment or residence visa before the visit visa expires.Recently, Abu Dhabi Naturalisation and Residency Department announced that fees for visit visas are set to go up from July 2008. The new fees will be applicable across all the emirates. New types of visas would be issued, with higher charges. New visit visas would be issued for one month and would cost Dh500 (Php5,500) as compared to Dh100 (PhP1,100) earlier which was valid for two months. While visit visas for three months would cost Dh1,000 (Php11,000).
However, victory has been subtle for many visit visa holders in UAE. In fact, most of them go home with nothing but sad stories to share. Most agencies that offer visa assistance in the UAE bait our ‘Kababayans’ by saying that everything will be easy once they are in the country. Promises of high-paying jobs and better living conditions are uttered that urge expectant Filipinos to trade valuable properties or apply for loans (even with high interests) in order to generate money to pay the ticket and visa.
Two months after arriving in the UAE, visit visa expires. If a person who hasn’t obtained an employment visa has to exit the UAE to the famous island of Tehran – the Kish Island. Then, will come back again once their visa is ready, either employment visa (once they’ve got the job) or for another visit visa.
I have heard tons of stories of the truth that the island swanks about. Reality of the quandary of the stranded ‘Kababayans’ waiting for their new visa moreover, some are hopeless already since they have been waiting in Kish for months. Most of our 'Kabayans' who are stranded in the island find their own ways of saving money to buy their own Visit Visa. They work as housemaid, cook or caretaker where they are staying to have free accommodation and food. There are even people who sell flesh in exchange for money. Unfortunately for some, they just end up their lives.
As witnessed, visiting UAE or even other Middle East countries using a tourist visa is not suitable if you do not have a financially stable family members or trusted friends living in the country.
Reasons to Leave and Live. Instability economic situation in the Philippines is one of the main reasons why most Filipinos prefer to work abroad, particularly in the Middle East region. Filipinos who are highly educated and highly skilled workers found it hard to see any hope from their home country. Thousands of Filipinos are working in the region for contractual or project-based jobs. Filipino skilled workers get careers in the area where salary is double or triple that the salary they are getting in the Philippines.
It is now a typical family Filipino setting wherein most parents would like to give better future to their loved ones especially for their growing children. Good opportunities in the Philippines are not copious to achieve most of their dreams. At the present time, even single men and women are working abroad to fulfil the dreams they have for their future and to help their aging parents and send their younger siblings to school.
Reality Bites. Not all OFWs in the Middle East have happy-ending stories, along with financial reaps, some share sad-ending tales. Some OFWs change their lifestyles why they do not succeed despite the brighter opportunity given in the ME, some OFWs tend not to focus on the basic needs of the family in the Philippines. The foundation of family relationship weakens because of the physical distance that would usually last for two or more years depends on the employment contract, is built within the family members. There are cases that an OFW who left their spouses and children in the Philippines are feeble to give in to illicit relationships or adultery.
There is also renowned perception that Filipinos are affluent workers who are always geared-up to shell out their hard earned money. But sometimes, Filipinos are being extravagant to make up for their absence to the point that they spoil their love ones with material things and even build lavish houses which later on they could not uphold. Also, some have to deal with the over-extended family members who depend on them. Though for some, the attractive salary enticed them to work in the ME, they still make it a point to build a home with solid and committed relationship.
Each of the OFW working in the ME does not constantly receiving complete favourable returns. Some OFW were blessed to have a very considerate and generous employer but some are not. Some can get their perfect dream job with a high paying salary that they really wanted, others cannot. Some of us have the opportunity to bring their families with them but most do not.
As witnessed, many Filipinos who experienced triumph in the ME may challenge the assertions that the whole experience is a jolt and surprise because the success and happiness are sweet-coated, neglecting and hiding the abuses they have actually endured. Some come home even poorer than before.
The hard work and sacrifices of the OFW are all worth it upon seeing their dreams becoming reality and enjoying a successful and comfortable life in the Philippines. A mounting number of Filipinos are leaving the country to work in the Middle East region. But it is comforting to know that most of them still go back to the Philippines.
Somewhere to Stay. Accommodation is one of the problems that most middle class OFW, or other expatriate workers, are facing in some Middle East countries. We have witnessed a lot of flats and villas where people have put several partitions in a small single room. Some have mixed single male and female mixed in a room. Some are very unhealthy and unhygienic. Though some companies, as part of their benefits, offer an accommodation to their employees where they live with two or more of their co-workers.
Stories to Share
Roles of Women: As a Mother and an OFW
I met Vangie Gabasa who left the Philippines for United Arab Emirates in 2008 to look for work in the Land of Gold. She has 7 years experience in an Export/Import company in the Philippines as an Import Coordinator wherein she earned Php8,000 a month. She can say that she had a comfortable life way back in the Philippines because she and her husband were both got a stable job and can provide all the needs and wants of her 7 year old daughter. But couple of years ago, her husband was terminated in a government agency where he worked. From then on, her family lifestyle has changed.
Her eagerness to provide brighter future for her kid drove her to work abroad. She asked help from her relatives in the UAE who helped her to avail a visit visa. The fact that she has relatives in the foreign land added confidence to her as she knows that there are people who would willing to support her emotionally and financially. After two months of job hunting, she was able to get a job in a trading company in Dubai as a Receptionist cum Secretary, where she receives Dhs2,800 (Php30,800).
Looking back, she could still vividly remember the face of her daughter and the loneliness she was carrying. Reality hurts now that they are miles and miles away from each other. Vangie narrates how she always cries whenever she thinks of her family, especially during the night before she went to sleep. Sometimes, even during meals, she cried so suddenly if she remembers her daughter.
Like Vangie, a lot of Filipino women have taken significant contributions in the ME countries. Women who have taken their roles both at home and in their workplace, who hold jobs as OFW to supplement the husbands’ earnings or sometimes, the breadwinner in the family. A lot of fine-tuning has to be done, and when the adjustment does not go well, women become overloaded and fatigued in trying to fulfil their duties as breadwinners and as housewives and mothers who are taking care of the household and the children.
History Repeats Himself - Manual Labours
Gilbert, 43, married with three children, of Roxas City, is a Filipino immigrant construction worker in a booming construction area with dozens of large multi-phase developments. This is not the first time for him to work in the Middle East. Few years ago, he worked in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 5 years in a furniture company. Then his contract expired and tried his luck in the Philippines where he worked for couple of years. After that, an opportunity came when his uncle from the United Arab Emirates asked him to apply as an Installer in his furniture company. He worked for almost two years then decided not to renew his contract anymore.
He, again, worked in the Philippines for years but due to economic and political flux and his growing children and being the sole breadwinner in family, he decided to again apply abroad.
He applied in a head-hunter agency and got a job as construction worker in the UAE. Gilbert supports his family back home and hasn't taken a single day off. Earning Dhs550 (Php6,050) a month it is impossible for him to support his family. He has to work extra and do overtime which sometimes reaches up to Dhs2,000 (Php22,000). Accommodation, transportation and food allowances are also included in his benefits. His work would start at 4pm and end by 7am during summer time.
As a worker in a construction site, he is toiling hard in the scorching sun day in and day out to raise the infrastructures. The workers struggle under the severest weather conditions not by compulsion, but by choice. The heat is killing. But they don't have a choice. They have to work more to earn more. Manual laborers make up a large amount of the population. Attention has focused on these workers for their wages and working conditions which are generally poor by western standards.
Legacy and Trend
Allow me to tell you my story. I am a BS Psychology graduate from Miriam College. Before coming to Dubai, I worked as Human Resources Assistant in one of the prestigious companies in the Philippines and was earning enough money to provide for my personal needs and wants.
The experience of working abroad is not really new for me as my dad worked in Saudi Arabia since I was four. I have relatives who work abroad as well, mostly in the Middle East. I grew up with my Nanay. In June 2000, two months after my college graduation, my Nanay followed my Tatay in Dubai, where he worked for years after Saudi Arabia. In 2002, I followed my parents in the UAE. I left the Philippines with curiosity of what the desert land could offer me.
Now, after 6 years, I am working for a furniture retail company as a Graphics Coordinator – a line and position that is not related to the course I finished. But that is not a surprise. Since most of the people who work in abroad do not really get a job that is related to their degree or they wanted.
‘Kababayans’ working abroad are not only increasing by the number but getting even younger. Like me, I arrived in Dubai when I was 22 years old. With this, I can say OFWs are leaving a legacy and a trend. A legacy since the older generation of OFWs inclined the mentality of the younger workforce by conveying awareness on the enormous opportunities abroad. A trend because upon hearing successful OFW stories drives other ‘Kababayans’ to dream for comfortable and convenient life outside the Philippines, that result of being an OFW.
I always meet Filipinos living in the UAE through the Filipino community where a lot of activities and support are given to fellow Filipinos. Personally, I looked for Filipino community in the UAE – with God’s grace, I found the Singles for Christ. Through SFC, I found new friends and lessen the homesickness because of the activities and new friendship built.
I had, and still having, my share of good times and tough times in my experience as an OFW. But I have no regrets. I had sacrificed my life in the Philippines but I have achieved something that I really needed and wanted here in Dubai that makes experiences all worthwhile." I am proud to be called as ‘Bagong Bayani’ – a Filipina who is proud to be a daughter of the Islands.
Gracie Entereso
OFW
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Middle East. The Middle East (ME) is located at the junction of three continents, namely Europe, Asia and Africa.
ME is seen to remain the biggest source of employment for OFW until 2008 with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Israel, Libya, and Jordan generating the most number of new job opportunities, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The region has become the best but keen alternative for Filipinos seeking employment elsewhere. This region is of fundamental importance today because of its vast petroleum reserve, it is also the seat of Islam. Most Middle Eastern countries offer tax-free income.
Years ago, the bulk of Filipinos living and working in the Middle East were construction workers. Today, ME opens up a whole new world for skilled Filipino workers and professionals. The job qualifications may have changed but the number of Filipinos leaving the Philippines to work in the ME continues to boost. Perhaps, this is the biggest concentration of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
The Filipinos possibly comprise one of the biggest cultural assemblies in the Middle East. We, despite the desolate difference from Arabic culture have impressed and marked an important place in the Arabic society. When you go out to a supermarket, you will surprise to see large volume of Filipino products in the Middle East. Even the severity of the weather and difference in religion did not cause discouragement to the Filipino people.
If you are considering working in the region, it is suggested to accustom yourself with the land, its laws, its people and its lifestyles.
Got a Visa? For many Filipinos who want to work in United Arab Emirates (UAE), the easiest and fastest way is by buying a visit visa. They believe that acquiring this kind of visa will ease their sacrifices in finding a job in this developed country. The idea is to obtain an employment or residence visa before the visit visa expires.Recently, Abu Dhabi Naturalisation and Residency Department announced that fees for visit visas are set to go up from July 2008. The new fees will be applicable across all the emirates. New types of visas would be issued, with higher charges. New visit visas would be issued for one month and would cost Dh500 (Php5,500) as compared to Dh100 (PhP1,100) earlier which was valid for two months. While visit visas for three months would cost Dh1,000 (Php11,000).
However, victory has been subtle for many visit visa holders in UAE. In fact, most of them go home with nothing but sad stories to share. Most agencies that offer visa assistance in the UAE bait our ‘Kababayans’ by saying that everything will be easy once they are in the country. Promises of high-paying jobs and better living conditions are uttered that urge expectant Filipinos to trade valuable properties or apply for loans (even with high interests) in order to generate money to pay the ticket and visa.
Two months after arriving in the UAE, visit visa expires. If a person who hasn’t obtained an employment visa has to exit the UAE to the famous island of Tehran – the Kish Island. Then, will come back again once their visa is ready, either employment visa (once they’ve got the job) or for another visit visa.
I have heard tons of stories of the truth that the island swanks about. Reality of the quandary of the stranded ‘Kababayans’ waiting for their new visa moreover, some are hopeless already since they have been waiting in Kish for months. Most of our 'Kabayans' who are stranded in the island find their own ways of saving money to buy their own Visit Visa. They work as housemaid, cook or caretaker where they are staying to have free accommodation and food. There are even people who sell flesh in exchange for money. Unfortunately for some, they just end up their lives.
As witnessed, visiting UAE or even other Middle East countries using a tourist visa is not suitable if you do not have a financially stable family members or trusted friends living in the country.
Reasons to Leave and Live. Instability economic situation in the Philippines is one of the main reasons why most Filipinos prefer to work abroad, particularly in the Middle East region. Filipinos who are highly educated and highly skilled workers found it hard to see any hope from their home country. Thousands of Filipinos are working in the region for contractual or project-based jobs. Filipino skilled workers get careers in the area where salary is double or triple that the salary they are getting in the Philippines.
It is now a typical family Filipino setting wherein most parents would like to give better future to their loved ones especially for their growing children. Good opportunities in the Philippines are not copious to achieve most of their dreams. At the present time, even single men and women are working abroad to fulfil the dreams they have for their future and to help their aging parents and send their younger siblings to school.
Reality Bites. Not all OFWs in the Middle East have happy-ending stories, along with financial reaps, some share sad-ending tales. Some OFWs change their lifestyles why they do not succeed despite the brighter opportunity given in the ME, some OFWs tend not to focus on the basic needs of the family in the Philippines. The foundation of family relationship weakens because of the physical distance that would usually last for two or more years depends on the employment contract, is built within the family members. There are cases that an OFW who left their spouses and children in the Philippines are feeble to give in to illicit relationships or adultery.
There is also renowned perception that Filipinos are affluent workers who are always geared-up to shell out their hard earned money. But sometimes, Filipinos are being extravagant to make up for their absence to the point that they spoil their love ones with material things and even build lavish houses which later on they could not uphold. Also, some have to deal with the over-extended family members who depend on them. Though for some, the attractive salary enticed them to work in the ME, they still make it a point to build a home with solid and committed relationship.
Each of the OFW working in the ME does not constantly receiving complete favourable returns. Some OFW were blessed to have a very considerate and generous employer but some are not. Some can get their perfect dream job with a high paying salary that they really wanted, others cannot. Some of us have the opportunity to bring their families with them but most do not.
As witnessed, many Filipinos who experienced triumph in the ME may challenge the assertions that the whole experience is a jolt and surprise because the success and happiness are sweet-coated, neglecting and hiding the abuses they have actually endured. Some come home even poorer than before.
The hard work and sacrifices of the OFW are all worth it upon seeing their dreams becoming reality and enjoying a successful and comfortable life in the Philippines. A mounting number of Filipinos are leaving the country to work in the Middle East region. But it is comforting to know that most of them still go back to the Philippines.
Somewhere to Stay. Accommodation is one of the problems that most middle class OFW, or other expatriate workers, are facing in some Middle East countries. We have witnessed a lot of flats and villas where people have put several partitions in a small single room. Some have mixed single male and female mixed in a room. Some are very unhealthy and unhygienic. Though some companies, as part of their benefits, offer an accommodation to their employees where they live with two or more of their co-workers.
Stories to Share
Roles of Women: As a Mother and an OFW
I met Vangie Gabasa who left the Philippines for United Arab Emirates in 2008 to look for work in the Land of Gold. She has 7 years experience in an Export/Import company in the Philippines as an Import Coordinator wherein she earned Php8,000 a month. She can say that she had a comfortable life way back in the Philippines because she and her husband were both got a stable job and can provide all the needs and wants of her 7 year old daughter. But couple of years ago, her husband was terminated in a government agency where he worked. From then on, her family lifestyle has changed.
Her eagerness to provide brighter future for her kid drove her to work abroad. She asked help from her relatives in the UAE who helped her to avail a visit visa. The fact that she has relatives in the foreign land added confidence to her as she knows that there are people who would willing to support her emotionally and financially. After two months of job hunting, she was able to get a job in a trading company in Dubai as a Receptionist cum Secretary, where she receives Dhs2,800 (Php30,800).
Looking back, she could still vividly remember the face of her daughter and the loneliness she was carrying. Reality hurts now that they are miles and miles away from each other. Vangie narrates how she always cries whenever she thinks of her family, especially during the night before she went to sleep. Sometimes, even during meals, she cried so suddenly if she remembers her daughter.
Like Vangie, a lot of Filipino women have taken significant contributions in the ME countries. Women who have taken their roles both at home and in their workplace, who hold jobs as OFW to supplement the husbands’ earnings or sometimes, the breadwinner in the family. A lot of fine-tuning has to be done, and when the adjustment does not go well, women become overloaded and fatigued in trying to fulfil their duties as breadwinners and as housewives and mothers who are taking care of the household and the children.
History Repeats Himself - Manual Labours
Gilbert, 43, married with three children, of Roxas City, is a Filipino immigrant construction worker in a booming construction area with dozens of large multi-phase developments. This is not the first time for him to work in the Middle East. Few years ago, he worked in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 5 years in a furniture company. Then his contract expired and tried his luck in the Philippines where he worked for couple of years. After that, an opportunity came when his uncle from the United Arab Emirates asked him to apply as an Installer in his furniture company. He worked for almost two years then decided not to renew his contract anymore.
He, again, worked in the Philippines for years but due to economic and political flux and his growing children and being the sole breadwinner in family, he decided to again apply abroad.
He applied in a head-hunter agency and got a job as construction worker in the UAE. Gilbert supports his family back home and hasn't taken a single day off. Earning Dhs550 (Php6,050) a month it is impossible for him to support his family. He has to work extra and do overtime which sometimes reaches up to Dhs2,000 (Php22,000). Accommodation, transportation and food allowances are also included in his benefits. His work would start at 4pm and end by 7am during summer time.
As a worker in a construction site, he is toiling hard in the scorching sun day in and day out to raise the infrastructures. The workers struggle under the severest weather conditions not by compulsion, but by choice. The heat is killing. But they don't have a choice. They have to work more to earn more. Manual laborers make up a large amount of the population. Attention has focused on these workers for their wages and working conditions which are generally poor by western standards.
Legacy and Trend
Allow me to tell you my story. I am a BS Psychology graduate from Miriam College. Before coming to Dubai, I worked as Human Resources Assistant in one of the prestigious companies in the Philippines and was earning enough money to provide for my personal needs and wants.
The experience of working abroad is not really new for me as my dad worked in Saudi Arabia since I was four. I have relatives who work abroad as well, mostly in the Middle East. I grew up with my Nanay. In June 2000, two months after my college graduation, my Nanay followed my Tatay in Dubai, where he worked for years after Saudi Arabia. In 2002, I followed my parents in the UAE. I left the Philippines with curiosity of what the desert land could offer me.
Now, after 6 years, I am working for a furniture retail company as a Graphics Coordinator – a line and position that is not related to the course I finished. But that is not a surprise. Since most of the people who work in abroad do not really get a job that is related to their degree or they wanted.
‘Kababayans’ working abroad are not only increasing by the number but getting even younger. Like me, I arrived in Dubai when I was 22 years old. With this, I can say OFWs are leaving a legacy and a trend. A legacy since the older generation of OFWs inclined the mentality of the younger workforce by conveying awareness on the enormous opportunities abroad. A trend because upon hearing successful OFW stories drives other ‘Kababayans’ to dream for comfortable and convenient life outside the Philippines, that result of being an OFW.
I always meet Filipinos living in the UAE through the Filipino community where a lot of activities and support are given to fellow Filipinos. Personally, I looked for Filipino community in the UAE – with God’s grace, I found the Singles for Christ. Through SFC, I found new friends and lessen the homesickness because of the activities and new friendship built.
I had, and still having, my share of good times and tough times in my experience as an OFW. But I have no regrets. I had sacrificed my life in the Philippines but I have achieved something that I really needed and wanted here in Dubai that makes experiences all worthwhile." I am proud to be called as ‘Bagong Bayani’ – a Filipina who is proud to be a daughter of the Islands.
Gracie Entereso
OFW
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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