If there are countries in the Middle East that are deeply committed and really care about the welfare and interests of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be at the top of the list.
After all, there are an estimated 650,000 Filipinos in the Emirates, according to the latest figures provided by UAE Embassy Charge d'Affaires Sheikh Saoud Al-Mualla.
Sheikh Al-Mualla disclosed why Filipinos are most welcome in his country, citing the common perspective that Filipinos are acceptable to UAE citizens as well as to other expatriates living in the Emirates.
"Filipinos are well-educated, disciplined, with good character and behavior, highly organized, and loyal to their employers. I think whoever has these characters would be most welcomed in our country," said Sheikh Al-Mualla.
The UAE official noted the great contributions made by Filipino workers in the different professional fields and expertise ranging from the highly professional engineering field, medical, hospitality service, among others.
Tolerance policy
Sheikh Al-Mualla said UAE is a country that never discriminates on race, color, religion, etc., which help create an atmosphere of accepting each other based on the wise leadership initiative of tolerance.
This strongly held policy of tolerance and acceptance of people of other religious beliefs and cultures is serving as a magnet to foreign workers. Currently, the UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, including the more than half a million Filipinos, working in every sector of the country.
This policy was the legacy of UAE’s founder, the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.
"The UAE is a country that has been designed by its Wise Leader to accommodate all nationalities, including Filipinos and, of course, the principle of respecting the diversity in UAE creates a wonderful environment attracting all people to come together and share their potential and talents. In particular, Filipino workers have been participating in the development of UAE, not only in the recent years but since the 1970s," said Sheikh Al-Mualla.
The Embassy official said Sheikh Zayed's legacy has endured and is being adhered to and implemented by his son and successor, President Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, and the rest of the UAE officials. The President of UAE is the emir of Abu Dhabi.
Seven emirates comprise the UAE, such as Abu Dhabi, the biggest; Dubai (who does not know Dubai); Sharjah; Ajman; Umm Al Quwain; Ras Al Khaimah; and Fujairah. Sheikh Zayed and other Sheikhs of the founding members established the UAE on December 2, 1971.
Commitment To Workers
For one, the UAE’s deep commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights is etched in the international conventions on the rights of workers and in its membership with the International Labor Organization (ILO).
To educate laborers on their rights, the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has launched several awareness drives; established offices in courts to provide legal support to workers in labor disputes, and units have been set up across the country providing protection for workers.
Furthermore, there is also the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) created in 2008, a forum for dialogue and cooperation with Asian labor exporting countries.
COVID-19 Response
In May 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the OFW community in the UAE expressed their appreciation for the Emirates by launching a sticker campaign containing the words, "Filipinos trust the UAE."
The campaign was the OFWs’ way of reciprocating the UAE government's sincere care, compassion, and tolerance. The UAE government extended assistance not only to its citizens but also to all foreigners living in the Emirates, including Filipinos who were directly affected by the pandemic.
As the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues, the UAE is making sure every worker is supported by facilitating their ability to secure temporary employment, access new job opportunities, and receive housing, food, and medical assistance.
With the COVID-19 vaccine now being administered in UAE, the Emirates is providing the vaccines to all those who live in the country, citizens and non-citizens alike, including Filipino workers.
In his parting words, Al-Mualla assured the families and relatives of all OFWs in the UAE that his government is exerting efforts to provide all residents and expatriates with much-needed security, stability, and safety especially during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.