Global crisis robs Filipinos of 3,000 jobs in UAE

Dubai: About 3,000 Filipinos out of the 300,000 in the UAE lost their jobs in one month because of the global financial crisis, according Marianito D. Roque, Philippines Secretary of Labour.

The real estate, architecture, design engineering and marketing sectors were the hardest hit.

This compares well against 6,050 new job contracts approved for the same period of November.

Roque told Gulf News that the Philippines government has set in place mechanisms and allocated $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion) to help provide jobs to laid-off workers.

The secretary of labour said that those retrenched can register themselves with the country's overseas labour offices for re-employment help.

"We encourage people to work in the Philippines but if they want to work overseas, it is their decision and we will provide all the necessary services. If they decide to return, we have many livelihood programmes set in place back home," he said.

"The total overseas employment figure in 2007 was close to 1,071,000. However, we had already exceeded 1 million in October this year," he said.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait top the countries seeking Filipino workers, he said.

"We are trying to cater to the latest demand of 2,000 nurses in Saudi Arabia. The Qatari Government has also approved around 121,124 working visas for 2009 and we are expected to become the second largest expatriate population in the country with around 260,000 people next year. Qatar has announced $1 billion investment in our country," said the official.

Roque was on an official visit to the UAE and attended an appreciation event organised in the Philippines Overseas Labour Office in Diera.

The secretary was accompanied by Philippines ambassador to UAE Libran Cabactulan and Dubai consul general Benito B. Valeriano. Around 35 runaway maids given protection by the embassy were handed over free tickets to Manila. "I want to assure you that the Philippines government is ready and capable to help you in difficult circumstances," said Roque.

Factbox

Mixed fortunes:

--3,000 Filipino workers laid off in November

--6,050 new contracts approved during same period

--35 runaway maids offered free tickets home by embassy and sponsors

Do you know anyone who has lost his/her job? How were they compensated? Did they manage to find another job in the UAE?

It has been happening so frequently in my company. I do not know much about it though.
Aziz
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE
Posted: December 18, 2008, 09:33

I am working for a design firm and a lot of my colleagues have already lost their jobs. Losing a job is really a hard blow, considering we have a family in the Philippines depending on us. Most of my friends who lost their jobs do not want to go back home, they are still hoping to get new jobs here. Most of them got two months' salary, gratuity and were offered transfer of visas if they find new jobs.
Marby
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 18, 2008, 07:47

I was let go due to the global crisis. Now, I am searching for a new job. I hope this gets better and I will find a job soon.
Faiz Sabir
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 18, 2008, 01:59