Worker sticking up for those who moan
I’m tired of those telling me that “I’m lucky to be here...” sounds the exact same as the favourite slogan of “if you don’t like it, go home...”.
I am not here as an asylum seeker. Yes, we are told that the UAE is a tax-free country but seriously, we all know that this isn’t true and that high taxes are hidden everywhere. I work hard to be here. I pay lots of money to be here (utility bills, rents, fees and “non-refundable deposits” everywhere make the cost of living here very high indeed). Salaries are high but so are costs.
I also work and live here and have to accept the fact that no matter how long I’m here I’m granted no more rights than any new expat “stepping off the boat” tomorrow.
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Agree or disagree? Send your letter to letters@7days.ae
When the going gets tough, loyalty means nothing and our lives here come to an abrupt end. So please, stop telling us to be silently grateful - I contribute to this society AND economy.
Jess, Dubai
Comments
by Jamila Abdullah
Sunday, January 27 2013, 10:39PM
“AND i totally so agree with you Nawaf. Thumbs up for you.”
by Jamila Abdullah
Sunday, January 27 2013, 10:38PM
“if you don't like our country, u can just as easily go back to your own.
this is what i say for every expat who complains about living in the UAE.
I love my country, and we do have it as an easier way of life here.
Try and compare how your life was back in your OWN country in comparison to this one. Are you making more money whilst living and working here? Or did you make you more money in your country?”
by NewCrunch
Sunday, January 20 2013, 6:16PM
“I agree with some of what Nawaf said. many of the points the writer raised are totally not true. Tac free does not mean you get everything for free: do you seriously want free electricity, housing, medical, etc.. and a high salary on top of that?? get real, please!!!”
by ROFLwithSYRUP
Sunday, January 20 2013, 10:13AM
“@nawaf - lol you're funny man... not all what you've said is true...”
by Nawaf Abu-Ghazaleh
Sunday, January 20 2013, 7:09AM
“Jess, I've been living in the UAE for 41 years and I can't become an Emirati. My rights are just like yours. Does it make you feel better now? Look at the bright side. Safety and security. Life style and convenience. Freedom and friendship. Malls and facilities. Last but not least, equal rights to all expats. Contributing to society and economy doesn't mean you should be paid higher. You maybe need to change your job and income when the going gets tough. Nagging doesn't help!”