Among the millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the world, a huge portion are currently based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates across the UAE. Have you ever wondered why so many kababayans have chosen this country as their second home?
Indeed, the Pinoy community in the UAE is not only huge, but diverse, as well. There are are Filipino doctors, nurses, engineers, lawyers, teachers, and other professionals, alongside hair stylists, cooks, mechanics, drivers, nannies, and many other types of workers.
Contents
- Why Pinoys Choose to Work in the UAE
- 1. The UAE is “travel friendly.”
- 2. There are plenty of career opportunities in the UAE.
- 3. There is a preference for Filipino workers.
- 4. The salary is higher and tax-free.
- 5. English is widely used in the UAE.
- 6. The UAE has an excellent public transport system.
- 7. The UAE is a safe country.
- 8. The UAE has an excellent health care system.
- 9. There are many Filipinos already living in the UAE.
- 10. There are different accommodations available.
- 11. There is religious tolerance in the UAE.
- 12. The UAE can serve as a “springboard” to other countries.
Why Pinoys Choose to Work in the UAE
With such a huge Filipino population, it goes without saying that the UAE is among the favourite work destinations for Pinoys. And in today’s post, we will take a closer look as to why so many of our kababayans prefer to work in this beautiful country:
1. The UAE is “travel friendly.”
There are different kinds of UAE visas, depending on your purpose. Some Filipinos have had job offers even before arriving in the country, so their entry permits were soon converted into residence visas, which enable them to stay here for two or three years (renewable). On the other hand, some Filipinos, especially those who already have family members living here, were able to enter the country on a visit visa, find a job, and acquire a residence visa as well.
2. There are plenty of career opportunities in the UAE.
The UAE has a thriving business, health, technology, tourism, and other industries, so there is almost always a demand for new workers. There are “free zones” in each emirate focusing on different industries, making it a great place to find your dream job!
3. There is a preference for Filipino workers.
Filipinos are known all over the world as diligent, talented, and industrious workers. Hence, it is not surprising why many employers in the country have expressed a preference for Pinoy workers. In fact, among the best nannies in the UAE are Filipinas… How about that!
4. The salary is higher and tax-free.
Of course, few Filipinos would pass up the chance to earn a higher, tax-free salary! The monetary factor alone is a huge factor for those deciding to work abroad. Indeed, most kababayans are able to earn much more in the UAE than what they used to earn back in the Philippines.
5. English is widely used in the UAE.
The English language is widely used in the UAE, making it easy to communicate and get along with others. And since English is one of the official languages in the Philippines, many Filipinos have no trouble at all in speaking and interacting with other foreign workers. Of course, learning Arabic — even just basic greetings and phrases — would give you an added advantage!
6. The UAE has an excellent public transport system.
In Dubai alone, there is the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, taxis, and water buses that make getting around the emirate easy and convenient. Intercity-buses and other means of transportation are also available across the entire UAE. There is even a public bus route from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, as well as plans for using flying taxis! How cool is that!
7. The UAE is a safe country.
When asked, “what do you like best about Dubai/UAE?” — most of the OFWs we have featured in our website answered “safety.” Indeed, the security system in the country is among the best in the world, and laws are strictly enforced. Response to accidents, emergencies, and even crime situations are fast and effective, so citizens and residents generally feel safe and secure, anywhere in the country.
8. The UAE has an excellent health care system.
The hospitals and clinics in the country are fully equipped and provide state-of-the-art health care and treatment. There is also a wide variety of alternative treatments (e.g. acupuncture) and medicines available.
9. There are many Filipinos already living in the UAE.
As mentioned earlier, there is a sizable Pinoy population in the country, and many Filipinos come to join parents, siblings, and other relatives who are already residing here. In other words, they already have a strong “support system” that can help them adjust to their new life in the UAE.
Notably, there are also quite a number of Filipino restaurants in the country, so you don’t have to worry about missing your favorite food like sinigang, crispy pata, kare-kare, sisig, and halo-halo! There are also Philippine schools that offer Philippine-based curricula, so when you return to our home country, your children will not have any problems in transferring schools.
10. There are different accommodations available.
Depending on your budget, location, and number of family members, you can easily find good accommodations in the UAE. Singles can opt for apartments, while families can rent townhouses or villas, depending on their location and preference. Applying for basic utilities (e.g. electricity, water, Internet, phone services) is pretty much straightforward as well.
11. There is religious tolerance in the UAE.
Although the UAE is a Muslim country, the people are allowed to practice their own religions. In the emirate for Dubai, for instance, there is an area where Christian churches, Sikh temples, and other religious buildings have been built for people to carry out their respective religious activities.
12. The UAE can serve as a “springboard” to other countries.
Many Filipinos have found it easier to go to another country — like the United States or Canada — when applying from the UAE. This could be because Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, are considered as “powerhouse” cities, making it easy for residents to acquire visas when traveling to other destinations.
Moreover, the geographic location of the UAE makes it easier and affordable to travel to other countries, including those in Europe, North America, and other places in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
As you can see, there are many good reasons why Filipinos prefer to work in the UAE: a higher salary, job opportunities, security and safety, religious tolerance, and so much more! In relation to this, please read these things to know for Filipinos moving to Dubai, so that you can plan for a successful move to the emirate!