Living in the Middle East (OFW)

"A reason to leave, a reason to live." Perhaps this is one of the reasons why most Filipinos tend to leave their families behind in pursuit of greener pasture. Obviously there's a scarcity of opportunities due to instability of socioeconomic and political situation in the Philippines. Plus the fact that a waged worker in the Philippines can not sustain the basic needs to have a decent living. We heard and saw a lot of situations about an OFW's story, their experiences from their employers, good or bad; the agony of being away from their family and the worst scenario, coming back home in a BOX.

But what exactly is the plight of an Overseas Filipino worker especially living in the Middle East? Among the Middle Eastern Countries, Saudi Arabia is the most strictest and conservative Muslim country. There are so many things that are not allowed to do here compared to an open country. But these conservativeness have taught me a lot about living a simple life in the sense that there are few things to do here compared back home. There's no movie houses here to watch the latest Hollywood movies nor a bar that serves wine or alcoholic beverages when you wanted to unwind. There is no such thing as “religious freedom” in Saudi Arabia, therefore there is no “right” of worship for Christians and no churches exist in Saudi Arabia nor could any ever be built in the land of Arabs. Therefore, the notion of Saudi allowing a church anywhere in their country to encourage interfaith dialogue or to instruct Saudis about Jesus or Christianity, would be a patent absurdity. As a guest in this country, I must obey and respect how deeply influential Muslim principles are. Language barrier is one difficult thing for expat since Arabic is not an easy language to learn and understand. The extreme weather here dry and hot climate is not a joke. Heatwave and sandstorms are abundant here in Saudi Arabia since its part of the great dessert. Fortunately I can use my AC unit 24/7 without worrying about the electric bills. The lack of liberty, especially for women is also a drawback, but then it is also an advantage for them to live a modest and unadulterated life.

The benefits of every expat living and working here are also something that you don't find in other countries. A free housing accomodation or allowance is a plus factor why there are 1-1.5 million Filipinos working here. We also enjoy a tax free salary that you can take home without any deductions. Our medical insurance has access free to any state of the art hospitals and polyclinics covered in the policy. Even the most expensive procedures and medicines are free of cost. Incomparable to our local health insurance (PHILHEALTH). Free round trip ticket on annual vacation plus an equivalent of 1 month salary vacation money. Wait, there's more. An end of service benefits is given to all foreign workers after working here for two years and beyond and this amounts to substansial sum.

In conclusion, life in a foreign land is not a bed of roses whether it's in the Middle East or any other country. Living away from your homeland and family, speaking a different language, living in a different culture, celebrating holidays is a big sacrifice. As the saying goes, "There's no place like home." So what is your reason to leave?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx3YmAGU3l4