MISSION GULF…WHAT I FELT

I am writing these things based on my almost one year residence in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

When I was about to complete my Bachelors, random feelings used to come in my mind. I was worried about my Carrier, my family and my future and these feelings were not only mine but most of my friends who were about to complete their studies and step in their professional life. Market needs the experienced ones and there is lack of opportunities for the FRESHERS especially for them who lack recommendations. So the hard work of four or three years of Bachelors is always in trouble and most of the students are always in dilemma, “WHAT NEXT?”

But my plan was certain and I was mentally prepared to enter the Gulf. Discussions happen in fresh graduates about the future plan. In the same discussion I said, “I am planning for Dubai”. Some friends took it as a joke and told me, “Why don’t you try for Australia, UK, Canada or USA?” I was aware of the mentioned countries and also the life of students there. But their question didn’t astonish me because the concept towards GULF is not good in our society. Even till the date, most of people think that only unqualified persons are made for GULF region and qualified ones should try for Europe and America!!

UAE has reached in a level of all the developed countries amazing the world in last few years. Its fast growing economy and lots of amazing projects is attracting many people around the World towards it. So now it is time to eradicate the misconception of Gulf. This is not a country for living a long life but a place for making money. Earn money here and invest in your country. That will develop your country also. GULF is not a place for uneducated and ruined ones but other professionals can also make it their target.

I entered UAE in the month of July when the thermometer was showing about 50 Degree Celsius in this country. I was in Visit Visa and was about to start my carrier. I faced different interviews and took lessions from each. Everyone was seeking GULF EXPERIENCE and so I lost some good opportunities. Anyhow I found a job and started working. I am still in confusion what this GULF EXPERIENCE means? Is it whether staying in GULF or working in the related field in GULF? If I will get the exact answer I will let you know.

Beginning days were not quite good for me. This was not because of new place and new people. It was because of the concept of other nationals here towards Nepal. They had lots of misconceptions about Nepal. It is a bitter reality that Nepal in their concept is “Country of Labourers”. This is because most of Nepalese here are labourers and only a few are in good positions. Even certain people have a misconception that Nepal is a part of India. I can’t change the mentality of all but I have changed the mentality of the persons whom I am in contact with. Our society is not aware of the fact that there are lots of opportunities for educated ones and professionals here.

‘’One fact disheartens me. When a non-Nepalese speaks against our nation, most of us encourage him to speak more and more instead of protesting. This is due to lack of knowledge about own country. We have lots of things that we are proud of. If you can’t protest then you don’t have right to say “I am a Nepalese”. We have a history of independency. When our two big neighbor countries were ruled by British, we had a fragrance of independency spread all over Nepal. There is a huge contribution of Nepalese soldiers in waving the flag of peace all over the World. Nepalese are renowned for these words: calm, sincere, peace loving and brave. History is evidence that Nepalese do not interfere in other’s matters and fear not to cut the heads of those who interfere in their matters (AAI LAAGNE MAATHI JAAI LAAGNE). So non-Nepalese do not dare to cross the boundary of our patience.

Nepal is Birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Sita, Genius King Janak, home of 8 among top ten mountains of the World including MOUNT EVEREST, the Hat of Nepal. We are second largest in water resources after Brazil. Nepal dwells variety of animals and plants. Also we have variety of cultures and languages in a small. We can say Nepal a complete package that God has sent for us and we are proud to be Nepali. ‘’

Mentioned above are the things we should at least know about our nation.

Suggestions for those who are planning for abroad:

If you will chose UAE or any Gulf country for your working area before trying for Masters, there are several benefits. First one is the international experience which most countries seek while providing Visa. Second, you will have money in your hands and you will not need to depend upon your family for investing the money for Masters. Third, if you get a job in your related field in Gulf, you will, of course, get a good job in next country where you want to study only because of this experience. These are the main advantages. Also you will be able to cope up with the professional life.

Suggestions for those who are helpless to come for working in GULF:

If you want a good job and a good salary, then Computer Knowledge is most. Also knowledge of English, Hindi and if possible Arabic is needed. Before you leave your country, be sure for what work you are hired for. I have seen many workers who have invested a huge amount and are paid a low salary with different work. They cannot protest here and can’t even return back as they are drowned in a debt that they invested while entering Dubai. To regret and face whatever comes in their way becomes their life here. It becomes a Golden jail for them which seems gorgeous from outside but the inner reality is different.

People work really hard for earning money. I have seen many people who hesitate to spend a single Dirham for their good health and good life. Accommodation is very much expensive here and many people share a single room (A normal room includes 10-20 persons). The family members and other neighbors see the earned money only but not that hard work and the pain of the person while earning that money. This is not only the reality of our nationals but also of other nationals.

Now the condition of our country is propelling persons to leave the country. But while leaving country keep yourself well prepared. Otherwise you will have to suffer a lot. Take this out of mind that if you are not satisfied with the company you are hired by, you will change another company(You will have permission if NOC(No Objection Certificate/Letter) is provided to you which is a rare chance). Because once you sign the contract, you will have to pay for breaching the contract. You can be BANNED for 6 months or 1 year if you breach the contract. You are not allowed to work in multiple companies(PART TIME) and also Overtime(OT) is not provided by all the companies. So dig out all the necesaary details of your destination before sailing your dream ship to GULF.

I have heard there are lots of Nepalese Societies here that are made for welfare of Nepalese workers here. But I am not in contact with even a member of those societies. May be I am new to UAE and so I could not meet them. Proper trainings and classes should be given to them to cope up with the circumstances that happen here. It is their duty to make aware who are willing to step GULF and help the ones who are working here.

Last but not least, it is a fact that when you are out of your country you miss it most. But life is uncertain and we need to cope with different circumstances in life. Gulf life has made me feel I can survive in any other place wherever it may be. This experience will certainly help me in my upcoming days.