Sharjah: “How many fish pieces do you want? How do you like your fish to be cleaned? Let me know your preferences,” he says in clear English.
His knowledge of the language takes his customers by surprise and gets them curious about this 5ft tall, light-eyed, boyish-looking man. Many even exchange contact numbers with a promise to help him improve his job prospects.
“I am a qualified IT guy from Jinnah College of Engineering and Technology and have also done extensive vocational training in electronic equipment repair and industrial electrical from Punjab Board of Technical Education, Lahore,” he says proudly.
Meet 27-year-old, Saifullah, who is from Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan.
He cleans fish at the Sharjah fish market and is one of the most sought after traders because of his lively and down-to-earth personality.
Saifullah came to the UAE in 2009, armed with his educational certificates, but within six months he found himself cleaning fish alongside his elder brother.
“I went to London in 2000 to do a foundation course in business management but had to leave it unfinished as I had to return back to Pakistan and help out my siblings in running the household.
“My father had passed away in 2000. Since I showed a lot of promise in education, my father spent a lot of money to send me to London. I used to stay with a family friend who also was very supportive to me. Fate had other things in store for me and here I am cleaning fish,” Saifullah said.
Cleaning fish gives him an allowance of Dh150 to Dh200 per day, which he collects at the end of the month to send home to support his family.
“When I landed over here in 2009 I was sure [I would] get a job. I applied in various places online and even went personally, but everywhere I went, they were looking for [an] experienced person. But my question was and still is that how could I get some experience if no one gives me a job?
“Things were not looking good financially back home and so I decided until I get a proper job I might as well work at the Sharjah fish market. At least I am doing something, instead of wasting time and living off others,” said this father of five who was married off at the tender age of seven by his father.
“Child marriages are so common in my part of the world. It is settled between two families and we children do not have a say. I am going to stay away from the norm and provide a good education for my three sons and two daughters.
“Today, if you need to survive, education is a must, but at the same time I would like to instil in them that no job is big or small,” said Saifullah excusing himself to greet an old customer.
His colleagues at the market are all full of praise for him and do not miss an opportunity to put in a good word to their customers for him.
“They have all been kind to me and want to me move out from the fish market and work in an office. [God willing] one day, I will. These are testing times for me. At least I have a job,” he said.
