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**EP4. Global Pinoy Pathways: Are the Benefits Worth the Risks? Working in the Middle East - GCC
👋 Hello Everyone! Welcome back to another insightful vlog with me, Marjorie Quintos, your trusted Canadian Immigration Consultant from Mercan Group-one of the largest foreign worker recruitment and immigration firms in Canada, USA, the Middle East, and Australia.
In our previous episodes, we touched on the benefits, job opportunities, salaries, and disadvantages of working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Today, we're diving into a crucial question: is it scary to work in the GCC?
Before I took my first flight to Dubai to open Mercan's office there, I was terrified, especially after hearing various stories and news reports. Surprisingly, my experience in the UAE proved me wrong. I felt at home instantly because of the warm and welcoming Filipino community there, the presence of familiar comforts like Jollibee, and supportive local friends who guided me through. The breathtaking scenery, modern infrastructure, and unique amenities only added to the charm.
Living and working in the GCC can offer a range of beautiful and unique experiences. Here are some of the highlights:
1. **Tax-Free Salary**: Imagine a life with no income tax! More savings as compared to working in the Philippines.
2. **Cultural Diversity**: Meeting people from different parts of the world.
3. **Shopping and Leisure**: A plethora of extravagant malls and dining spots, perfect for shopping enthusiasts and food lovers.
4. **Modernity**: The technological and infrastructure advancements in places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha are astonishing.
5. **Natural Wonders**: Besides deserts, you'll find beautiful beaches ideal for relaxation.
6. **Safety**: Low crime rates ensure a secure environment for you and your family.
7. **Travel Hub**: Centrally located, making it easy to travel to various parts of the world.
8. **Pinoy Communities**: A robust Filipino community provides an instant support system.
9. **Work Opportunities**: High demand for skilled workers, offering plenty of professional growth.
10. **Religious Freedom**: Respect for religious practices, allowing you to practice your faith freely.
Many Filipinos find their lifestyle vastly upgraded while working in the GCC. Overall, working and residing in the GCC can be a life-changing experience.
Addressing the question-is it scary to work in the GCC? Working overseas inherently carries some risks and disadvantages. Here are some potential risks I’ve researched:
1. **Working Conditions**: Depending on the sector, some workers might face long working hours, outdoor heat, or even unfair labor practices. However, many GCC countries are actively working to improve their labor laws.
2. **Cultural Differences**: Adapting to new cultural norms regarding dress code, gender roles, and social freedoms requires respect and understanding.
3. **Legal Protections**: Challenges arising from the kafala system and the need for awareness of legal protections are crucial. Support from the Philippine embassy and knowledge about labor rights can be very helpful.
4. **Recruitment and Employment Practices**: Beware of illegal recruitment scams. Ensure your employment process goes through legitimate channels like the Department of Migrant Workers (formerly POEA) and licensed agencies.
5. **Job Security**: Economic changes like oil price fluctuations and policies prioritizing local workforces can impact job stability.
6. **Residency and Citizenship**: Long-term residency or citizenship is hard to obtain, limiting permanent settlement options.
7. **Separation from Family**: Strict regulations and financial requirements can delay family reunification, leading to isolation and homesickness.
8. **Amenities and Living Conditions**: Varied living standards, with some workers living in crowded conditions with basic amenities.
9. **Health Risks**: Extreme climate conditions pose health risks like heatstroke or respiratory issues due to sand and dust.
These disadvantages can vary based on the job role, employer, and personal circumstances. Many workers successfully manage these challenges, thanks to support from Philippine agencies like the DMW and OWWA.
This has been Marjorie Quintos, Canadian Immigration Consultant from Mercan Group. Stay informed, stay cautious, and prepare well for a safe and successful employment journey abroad. 🌏
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