Gulf | Bahrain
Rising living costs force expat teachers in Bahrain to quit
Inflation makes many in the education sector question their stay.
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:13 June 7, 2008
Manama: Unable to withstand the seemingly inexorable onslaught of the weakening dollar and the rocketing prices, 80 teachers have resigned from their posts, preferring to go home. But with the spiralling inflation, the steady rise in living costs and the stagnation of salaries, the Jordanian teachers and many other expatriates are questioning their stay in the Gulf.
"The teachers' frustration intensified after they and all the other expatriates were denied the 15% increase accorded by the authorities to the people in the public sector. They thought that they too were under the strains of inflation, but were left out of the government-sponsored schemes to help confront the situation," said the official.
The Jordanian embassy in Manama is now negotiating with the government in Bahrain to extend some financial openings to the teachers so that their departure does not snowball and lead more Jordanians to consider leaving the Gulf.
But for Lateef Yousuf, an Indian officer, an intervention by the authorities of his country has almost backfired.
Strong resistance
"There was sweet talk about a minimum wage for all unskilled labourers and they were all hopeful that it would help them have better lives here. Unfortunately, the strong resistance from the local contractors had almost cost them their jobs because they threatened to bring in replacement from other countries," he said.
Lateef, who has been in Bahrain for eight years, said that he had never thought that he would have to send his family home so that he could save money.
"I used to get BD230 [about Dh2,241] and shared an apartment with another couple from Kerala. We spent BD80 [about Dh779] for our expenses, paid BD80 for the rent, and were able to save the rest. However, after the hike in the apartment rent and the spiralling commodity process, my wife and I decided that she should go home so that I could save some money," he said.
A 10% rent cap is being largely ignored by landlords who do not hesitate to ask for 15-20% increases on the grounds that the accommodation was worth more than what the tenants are paying.
"It is totally unfair and I for example had to move to another flat. The situation is becoming increasingly demanding on our pockets and I know many expatriates who are considering moving out of the Gulf seeking better opportunities," said Habib Jemmazi, a teacher. "The fact that there are no increases in the salaries like for the nationals gravely limits your options and also hurts your self-esteem. Now, you either go home or struggle to survive and save on a meagre salary," he said.
American teacher Melinda said that her mind was made up. "If things do not improve within the next three months, I will resign and go home where at least I will be with my family," she said. "We like the Gulf, but you cannot live on love alone," said the Maths teacher.
Do you think this is becoming a common issue among expatriates across the GCC? Will this see a shift in demography of the workforce in these countries? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
"They believe that their conditions in Bahrain are no longer attractive materially and they would rather be home to continue teaching while they are with their loved ones," an education ministry official told Gulf News. For decades, Bahrain has been a major magnet for teachers from Jordan and Egypt who can earn up to eight times what they receive in their home countries.
Your comments
This is the common problem all over the GCC. Only these people wish to utilised our skill but dont want to spend for that. Its better back to home.
Prabir
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2008, 09:30
The growing frustration among the teaching community is not a healthy sign for the progress of any society since teachers can make or mar the destiny of many. I think they deserve a decent standard of living as the others do. One of the reasons for the lack of motivation from many teachers has been the lopsided attitude of the authorities concerned. The privileges enjoyed by a non teaching staff are almost completely denied to the teachers.
Latha
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 07, 2008, 11:24
If situation particularly rent will not improve shortly, there will be big migration in near future. Government has to consider these issues in long term view and match the pace of development with resources that they can manage.Currently there is mismatch between pace of development and resoucres available to support that pace.
Arquam
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 07, 2008, 09:22
We are facing the same problem in the UAE. If measures are not taken soon to reduce and control the rising cost of living in the Gulf, this market will lose a lot of experienced expatriates who helped build the foundations to our modern cities. Soon it'll be too late.
Ineke
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 07, 2008, 09:21
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