In recent years, Dubai has become an attractive destination for many migrants seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life. A Latino, who has lived in the city for several years, shares his experience with content creator Juan Díaz and reveals what it is really like to live in this vibrant city in the United Arab Emirates.
What do you need to get to the United Arab Emirates?
Zammys says that to get to the United Arab Emirates, Latinos only need their passport and a ticket.
“It is a country where there will be a lot of growth in the next nine years. It is a good place to enter. There are many people who come from the United States to invest,” he says.
He says that anyone who is an entrepreneur or is creating a company sees an opportunity in the country.
“I think the Emirates were not on anyone’s map until recently when people started talking a lot about this country and this city in particular, Dubai, which is open to tourists coming to invest. I feel that you can be in a country where you can say: yes, the Dubai dream.”
Job opportunities, but also competition
In Dubai, the job market is plentiful, but the demand is equally high, creating fierce competition among foreigners.
Zammys, originally from Colombia, comments on this reality:
“The competition is not only between us Latinos, but also with people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other Asian countries. In particular, many come because they offer cheap labor.”
This situation creates an additional challenge for workers seeking employment in the city.
“If there is a person who does the same thing as me and charges half of what I charge, that person will most likely have the opportunity, even if I have more skills than that person,” he explains.
Is there no minimum wage in Dubai?
The Colombian also points out that there is no minimum wage in Dubai and that the salary structure and job opportunities vary significantly depending on the nationality of the workers.
This reality contrasts with his experience in Australia, where he worked in various jobs such as train cleaner and magazine delivery man, earning between 16 and 20 Australian dollars per hour.
In Dubai, cleaning jobs are predominantly filled by people from Pakistan, India and other Asian countries.
“You will never see a Latino here in one of those jobs because it is a job that they have already taken and they charge very little,” explains the migrant.
This competition for low-paying jobs is causing Latinos to look for other opportunities, as they are not willing to work for wages as low as 1,000 dirhams, which is equivalent to just over $272 US dollars.
Zammys notes that Latinos are especially valued for their customer service skills. “In particular, they are very good at customer service, so they are highly sought after,” she explains.
In addition, many Latinos in Dubai excel in more advanced and entrepreneurial roles, he says.
“There are also many Latinos here who are making a killing by working in business creation, creating their own companies,” he adds.
Latinos do not need to obtain a visa before traveling
Latin Americans can obtain a visa on arrival, This means that they do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Dubai. Upon arrival, they are granted a three-month tourist visa.
However, he notes that a new rule has recently been implemented requiring visitors to prove they have 3,000 dirhams, equivalent to about $816 US dollars, a place to stay and a return ticket to their country.
“After those three months, you have several options,” he explains.
“You can look for a job that sponsors your visa, that is, the employer gives you a job and you will have the visa for the duration of your employment contract. If your contract is cancelled, you have 30 days to find another job or renew your visa,” he says.
Another option is to leave the country and return to renew your tourist visa, although these laws change frequently.
In addition, he points out that migrants can invest in real estate to obtain a visa, apply for a freelance visa for two years, or if they have specific skills such as being an artist, scientist or teacher, they can apply for a Gold visa that lasts 10 years.
“I don’t know the first person who is a citizen of the Emirates who was not born here. They take great care of that and that is why the country is so safe and organized, because they take great care that not just anyone can be an Emirati citizen. If (foreigners) have children here, they are from the country where their parents are from. Wherever they are from, they will be born with the citizenship of their parents,” he emphasizes.
Labor camps, a little-known reality
Juan adds that in Dubai there are labor camps, which are large housing complexes intended exclusively for workers from India and Pakistan.
These people are hired by subcontractors who bring them to the emirate at low cost. Once there, they are housed in overcrowded conditions, with 10 to 15 people sharing a single room.
These labour camps are a little-known reality of life in Dubai, where cheap labour is essential to the city’s development. However, living conditions in these camps are harsh and reflect the inequalities that exist in the region’s labour market.
Can you save money in Dubai?
For those considering emigrating, the Colombian recommends that it is important to have an entrepreneurial mindset and not just focus on saving money.
Zammys warns that it is impossible to work and save, but the ideal is to look for a way to get a business off the ground, since many Latinos have found success in Dubai. He also says that it is essential for people who hope to come to the emirate to know English.
“If you think you have enough money to come, bring a little more because rent can consume a lot of money, food. It is cheaper than Europe, but it is still expensive. Keep coming, I think this country will be developing in the next 10 years. If you are coming to study English, to work, come. But come focused,” he advises.
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