Filipino Expatriates in UAE

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Filipino expat workers enjoy working in its thriving economy. Considering Filipinos, a vibrant community, they have managed to work in the tourist and energy sectors. Employers in the Middle East like Filipino expats for their work ethics and adaptability. Other than contributing to economic growth, Filipinos are also part of the UAE’s multicultural environment. They receive legal support and all types of support that the expats should get. Filipinos are considered most disciplined and cooperative community in UAE. Our lawyers in United Arab Emirates, especially Lawyers in Dubai, are always available to help people.

The Filipinos have found amazing prospects to settle in the UAE. It has helped the economy of the Philippines as the Filipinos send remittances to their families. Several factors have contributed to coming to think about staying in the UAE, let’s explore few important factors:

• Job Opportunities

Filipinos have good earnings in UAE, and they are working in different organizations in UAE.

• No Income Tax

There is no income tax in UAE, which allows you to save your money and optimize it by investing in better places. However, many Filipinos send money back to their home country to feed their families.

• Strategic Location

The UAE is located in a good geographical position. It has direct flights to the Philippines, which makes travelling easier for Filipinos and allows them to meet their relatives.

• Community Groups

Filipinos have community groups in the UAE, which help them adjust to the country’s multicultural environment. Through community group support, Filipinos can easily transition to the UAE.

• Tolerance in United Arab Emirates

The contribution of Filipino expats to the UAE’s social fabric makes it vibrant. Filipinos can celebrate their culture and traditions without fear of anyone. The inception of Filipinos in the UAE shows that it is one of the safest countries to live in.

Filipino workers are employed in different sectors of the UAE, including the healthcare, tourism, and construction industries. Their skills as medical professionals and customer service professionals are highly regarded in top-class hospitals and restaurants. They are also hired in retail businesses for customer service and retailing. Nevertheless, their skills are also highlighted in the construction and education industries. A huge number of Filipino women work as domestic workers in the UAE.

A high standard of living is essential in the UAE because everything is expensive but well-maintained. However, Filipino expats love the country’s cultural inclusivity and modern dynamics, where accommodation, food, and community groups are exceptionally good:

• Accommodation

Many Filipino expats live in shared accommodation to save on the cost of living. However, some are also earning well and prefer to live in apartments. Most Filipino expats live without their families, so shared accommodation-hared accommodation is not a big issue.

• Cuisine

Filipino expats have introduced their taste in different restaurants. They have opened food stalls that offer their local food, such as Adobo, Sinigang, and Lechon. The grocery stores also offer Filipino ingredients, ensuring a taste just like their home country.

• Social Life

There are different community gatherings for Filipino expats to foster good relations between the UAE and the Philippines.

• Conveyance

Though the UAE is one of the richest countries where cars are affordable to the mainstream, Filipino expats are used to using public transport such as buses and taxis for their commute.

The Filipinos are respectful of UAE culture. They understand the complications of cultural norms, such as Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims’ fasting. Therefore, they easily penetrate the social fabric of the UAE:

• Fabricating the Cultural Diversity

The Filipinos are allowed to celebrate their own cultures, such as a celebration of Simbang Gabi. These celebrations are openly executed in different parts of the UAE.

• Language Barrier

Filipino expats learn English to communicate with people in the UAE. Although Arabic is the official language, expats usually speak English as their second language.

Filipino expats coming to the UAE may face challenges despite the laws that are in place for the safety of the UAE residents. However, some issues occur in one’s professional and personal life:

• Labour Rights in the UAE

Filipino working rights are protected when it comes to low-income workers in the UAE. The Wage Protection System (WPS) monitors the salaries of expat workers, ensuring everyone gets paid on time. However, WPS also oversees longer working hours in the UAE.  

• Expensive Living

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expensive places to live. A low-income worker cannot live in the UAE if the employer does not sponsor their accommodation and other basic expenses.  Other than these issues, Filipino expats also face homesickness and language barriers at the beginning of their relocating to the UAE.

There are well-organized communities for Filipinos in the UAE. Those communities are resourceful to Filipino expats and well-connected with institutions offering support to them. The Philippine Embassy can also support the Filipino expats in legal matters. Some communities organize events and workshops to support fellow expats in the UAE. However, church services are available for religious guidance for Filipino expats.

Filipino expats have many opportunities in the UAE. They are learners and entrepreneurs who find personal and professional growth. The skill development programs in the UAE create many opportunities for Filipinos. Looking at the UAE business dynamics, Filipino expats get opportunities to start their small, medium, and big enterprises, promising a better entrepreneurial journey.

The UAE is a global economic hub. Its economy thrives on the oil and tourist industries. Several expats from all over the world have come to the UAE in search of better job opportunities. Moreover, the fintech industry in the UAE has offered various opportunities to expats since the inception of digital finance and cryptocurrency in the UAE.

A lawyer is helpful when it comes to managing any dispute. The legal consultants in the UAE are multilingual. In addition to English and Arabic, they can speak other languages, too. This helps the expats communicate their disputes with cultural sensitivity. However, lawyers in the UAE must have the expertise and extensive knowledge to deal with cases. Whether they have a family issue or a labour dispute, these legal aid service providers help expats in whatever they can.

Some lawyers would charge an hourly wage. Some of them also ask for an up-front cost. Depending on your research, you can find a good lawyer. It isn’t easy to find an economical lawyer in the UAE, especially someone who understands your culture and language. Therefore, ask for referrals and see if the lawyer you are hiring suits your budget. Never choose a lawyer who is inaccessible, especially when you have to provide them with evidence or hold meetings with them.

Some disputes are resolved through mediation and negotiation in the UAE. These are alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods that ensure amicable settlements between two parties. ADR methods are also economical and less time-consuming for both parties.