Pioneering Dreams: The Filipino Diaspora in Dubai and the UAE

The allure of Dubai, a shimmering oasis amidst the vast Arabian desert, has beckoned people from all corners of the globe. Among those drawn to its dazzling skyscrapers and bustling metropolis, one group stands out - the Filipinos. Their presence in the United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai, is a phenomenon that has intrigued many. What motivates so many Filipinos to seek opportunities in the heart of the Middle East? Let's delve into the complex dynamics of this migration.

Invisible Yet Significant

Despite the significant numbers of the Filipino community, they remain understudied and often overlooked when discussing the Philippines diaspora. The stereotypes and prejudices they encounter, generated in part by both the host and home states, further obscure their reality.

Migration Policies and Choices

Migration to the UAE, as for other overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), is a multifaceted process influenced by both the Philippine and Emirati migration policies. The Philippines has historically encouraged international labor migration as a source of remittances. In contrast, the UAE's approach to migrant control has fluctuated over the years. However, how the Filipinos themselves experience this migration is an aspect that deserves more attention. They form a transnational community and, for the most part, strive to avoid contact with authorities. While the media may highlight the challenges faced by OFWs, many have had positive experiences that are less frequently shared.

Defining the Profile of Filipinos in the UAE

Filipinos are a visible minority in the UAE. From welcoming services at airports to key positions in customer service at hotels, restaurants, and retail shops, they play pivotal roles in the country's "hosting industry." They constitute the fourth-largest Asian nationality in the UAE's labor force, following Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis, but account for only 3% of the total workforce.  

A great number of Filipinos working in UAE are mostly domestic helpers.  Their migration statistics is not properly recorded by the Philippine government as domestic helpers could not be hired through an agency from the Philippines before 31 March 2021 after the new provisions were added to the UAE-Philippines Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Cooperation.  Filipinos go to Dubai as tourists and change visa as domestic helpers making it difficult for the Philippine government to monitor their migration.

Tracing the OFWs in the UAE

The statistics on the Filipino population in the UAE are somewhat ambiguous. The Philippine authorities monitor migration through agencies such as the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (COS) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Emirati authorities, on the other hand, are often reticent about providing regular migration data. However, available estimates suggest that the UAE has become a significant destination for OFWs since the early 1990s. At its peak, there were approximately 200,000 Filipinos in Dubai during the mid-2000s.

Over the last three decades, the UAE has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for OFWs, ranking second globally after Saudi Arabia since the beginning of 2010. While the economic downturn in 2008 made the UAE appear less attractive for some, the Filipino community has continued to grow and remains an integral part of the global Filipino diaspora.

The Filipino migration to Dubai is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by historical, economic, and social factors, as well as state policies. The community's experiences, though often uncharted, provide a wealth of untold stories. As Dubai continues to evolve and transform, the presence of Filipinos is a testament to their resilience and adaptability in a foreign land. Their story is a reminder that the diverse Filipino diaspora is shaped by a multitude of experiences and challenges.