Filipino Expatriates find UAE Ideal

People migrating to UAE in large numbers, despite of the global recession thinking that staying in UAE is just like a walk in the park; the tax free life charms every individual and encourages them to come and stay here. Life is not always bed of roses; the statement fits well when expats come across to the harsh realities of life even after migrating from their homelands. Well there is no place like home," goes the adage. Apparently, this does not seem to be quite true for some Filipino overseas workers in the UAE. Many of them seem to enjoy here as it has been years staying in UAE, they celebrate their culture and several other historic occasions here with friends and families, yet at the end they say they want to go back home but after earning enough to have their own businesses. Are these Filipinos losing their sense of patriotism?

Rodge

Rodge, a 30 year old electrician working here for 5 years says “I do miss my wife and children back home but I am happy working here because of good pay and I have been celebrating my Christmas and new years with my friends here and there are many places to go and enjoy here”. Rodge also loves cooking his favorite Pansit a Filipino dish on the eve of Christmas. He attends church on Christmas morning and then party with friends all night long.

Lori

Secretary in Luci electronics, Lori states that, “I have been working here for 8 years now and the only occasion I celebrate with my brother here is “Soul Day” it is held on 1st of November every year. We go to cemetery and pray for our relatives who have passed out”. She also says that she misses her mom but do not want to go back as she is not paid well over there.

Marilyn

Marilyn is 28 years old working as a cashier in Al Ghandi Motors. It’s been only a year she shifted to Dubai and is mesmerized with the life so vibrant of Dubai. Her good pay also encouraged her to settle and get married over here. She says, “My new friends made my first New Year in Dubai so memorable that I think I have always been a part of these people since ages, after visiting church they took me to dessert safari and then club. It was the happiest day of my life”.

Ana

For Ana the case is different she thinks that she misses her family a lot but is bound to stay here as she is paid double of what she is paid in Philippines. She says that “On Christmas Day I decorate a small tree and cook Pagluluto (rice dish) and meet my sister. After working all day I usually read a book to spend leisure time”.

Elyssa

Elyssa, a 22 year old working as sales lady in garment trading has a long list of dreams which were not impossible to fulfill in Philippines because of poor economical and political conditions. Elyssa use to be a singer in band in her home country but was paid poorly. She had to support her family and that made her shift to UAE. She says “On every Christmas I literally miss my family and pray for their goodwill in church. The only thing which makes me happy on Christmas Day is a beautiful present from my sister and the most delicious Chopsuey cooked by my sister for me. I do nothing special on this day but chat all day with my family in Philippines”.

For many Filipinos, it might be difficult to stay away from their families and friends back home but still there are many who are happy staying here. In spite of the non-assurance of permanent stay in the UAE, Filipinos still flock to the country to earn good income and consider the country as an ideal place to raise their family -- a concept that is inevitable considering the economic and political problems besetting the Philippines.