Gulf News readers were given the opportunity to debate on our Facebook page this week — they discussed whether students in the UAE were not opting for part-time jobs because economic need is not a prime driver. We present a selection of their views.
No need for work
A lack of part-time opportunities is the reason (“Not many students in the UAE are doing part-time jobs because economic need is not a prime driver,” Gulf News, November 5). Jobs that students traditionally do on a part-time basis in other economies are usually filled by permanent employees here. Additionally, many students don’t need to work. I can’t imagine that the average student in the UAE would be keen to work in a restaurant. As a result, many students graduate with no real world work experience and have unrealistic expectations of the sort of job they can get upon graduation. Even if you wait on tables, deliver pizzas, clean toilets or work in a shop as a student, it is still a valuable thing to do.
From Ms Georgia Lewis
UAE
A different life
There are two kinds of students here. The first kind is the one with working parents who provide them with plenty of money to spend. These young people are often lazy and bored! The other kind of student cannot often afford the standard of living they like and so turn to promotional jobs. I don’t even know why these jobs exist when half the customers being approached by the promoters just look at the product on offer and walk away. The point is that students in the UAE live a very different life from students elsewhere as you will hardly find a student working part-time in a fast-food restaurant here. So I agree with the statement, unfortunately.
From Ms Ellma Rahman
UAE
Joint solution
The system of internships within the academic programme is not prevalent. How can you blame students? The companies and academic institutions have to jointly find a solution. It will help students identify their strengths.
From Ms Usha Santhosh
UAE
Focus on education
I think it is better if students are not working part-time. That way they can devote more time to their education. Why burden them with other worries?
From Mr Kumar Shastri
UAE
Priorities
I disagree with the statement, because there are very few part-time jobs available for students. Additionally, even if you find a job, the classes and job timings often clash. So the students have to choose the classes regardless of their other needs.
From Ms Hasi Halai
Dubai
No need
My student visa explicitly says ‘not permitted to work’, which means that I couldn’t pursue a part-time job even if I wanted to. Having said that, I agree that there is not a great economic incentive to engage in part-time work either, as scholarships in the UAE are quite comprehensive. Unlike students in the USA or Canada, I don’t need a part-time job to cover my costs.
From Mr Esh Al Domiatti
UAE
Willing to work
I cannot help but disagree with this statement. As an expatriate student living in the UAE, I see this country from a multicultural perspective. The UAE is a fast developing country where many parents can provide for their children, thus leaving an option for youngsters to not work on a part-time basis. However, let’s not forget that it is a multicultural country where people from all around the globe come in, who are not only from different races but also from poor to middle-income backgrounds. They study with the hope of finding work and making a living with which they can support their families back home. In my opinion and in my social circle, there isn’t a single youngster who is not interested in working part-time. Students strive to find any kind of job in the UAE simply because they hope to have a stable future in later years. Besides, it is unfortunate that students are not taken seriously when it comes to working on a part-time or permanent basis. Employers are least interested when it comes to hiring students. I think companies should create opportunities for students and fresh graduates. I am sharing my opinion as a student who is striving to work hard, even if it means taking up a part-time job.
From Ms Sumera Malik
UAE
A misconception
There is a big misconception among students who come from abroad that they aren’t allowed to work in the UAE. However, among those who live here, I believe there are many who are doing part-time jobs in order to assist their parents financially and pay the tuition fees.
From Mr Govind Mohandas
Dubai
Cannot survive
I am a university student myself and out of all my fellow college mates, a clear majority is either working or looking for a job. The same is the case with me. It is not easy for students to survive in the UAE without a job. Some are lucky to have enough financial resources to help them complete their education. Others have no choice but to earn and finance their studies themselves.
From Ms Shereen Mir
UAE
Hard task
I think this is the reason why students may prefer to study in Europe or America — because these places encourage students to work even during their courses and after they graduate. In the UAE, the trend for giving students an opportunity to work part-time during their courses is erratic, and finding a job as a fresh graduate is also difficult.
From Mr Othman Jamil
Abu Dhabi
Restrictions
I strongly disagree with the statement, because I feel there isn’t much scope for part-time jobs here. Additionally, there are some visa restrictions, too.
From Mr Nirjon Pranto
UAE
Value of money
I think the issue is that part-time jobs aren’t widely available. Moreover, the labour laws concerning students often come across as vague and unclear to us. Economic need may or may not be a prime driver, but students get excited when they hear about a job that they are going to get paid for. If the practice of part-time jobs for students is widespread, not only will it help the economy to boom, due to a greater workforce being available, but it will help students get a look at work experience and teach us the value of money.
From Mr Abdul Matheen Yousuf
UAE
No jobs
A system of active internships and part-time jobs needs to be put in place by the companies and academic institutions. The process needs to evolve and students must be encouraged to be a part of it, too. Currently, it is either nonexistent or whatever system is in place is not propagated properly.
From Ms Raajeshwari Ashok
UAE
Enough support
If you are hungry, of course you will eat any food item with relish. Until you get hungry, you don’t require food. This is the reason why students in the UAE do not require part-time jobs. They have enough support from their parents.
From Mr Easir Arafat Seddiq
Abu Dhabi
Limited access
I strongly disagree with this statement as many students in the UAE do not work because of a lack of opportunities. The conditions are very harsh in most private companies. Students working part-time would have to work long hours and the salary is too low to meet academic expenses. There are several factors involved and a majority of the companies need experienced employees. The scope for students and fresh graduates like us is very limited.
From Ms Masuma Arshad
UAE
Freelance work
Students should be allowed to work part-time as it has become a necessity to survive. Looking for a job has become very complicated these days. Freelance work should be made available so that people can exercise their capabilities in their respective fields.
From Ms Aisha Rashid
UAE
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